A letter was lying in his place. He took it up, and opened it. Here are its contents.
“Dear John,—Unexpected business has brought me over to London. It seems a thousand pities to go back to Ireland without seeing you. Could you get rooms for me at your sequestered spot for ten days or so? Send me an early wire if possible, and I’ll come down by the train arriving tomorrow evening.
“Your affectionate sister,
“Elizabeth Darcy.”
Now, it is very certain that, from the time of our Mother Eve, women have played an important part in the affairs of mankind, either for good or ill. But it is equally certain that John had not the faintest conception of the part Elizabeth would play in the life of at least one person by this her proposed visit.
“Elizabeth suggests coming down for a few days,” said John tentatively, and helping himself to bacon.
“Elizabeth?” echoed Corin, gazing enquiringly at John.
“My sister, Mrs. Darcy. I forgot you didn’t know her.”
“By all means advocate her coming,” quoth Corin. “I shall be delighted to make her acquaintance.”
“I wonder—” began John, and stopped.