To the surprise of Jane Payland, Lady Eversleigh started suddenly from her seat, and advanced towards her, awakened into sudden life and energy as by a spell.
"Give me the letter," she cried, abruptly.
She took the soiled and crumpled envelope from her servant's hand with a hasty gesture.
"You may go," she said; "I will ring when I want you."
Jane Payland would have given a good deal to see that letter opened; but she had no excuse for remaining longer in the room. So she departed, and went to her lady's dressing-room, which, as well as all the other apartments, opened out of the corridor.
In about a quarter of an hour, Lady Eversleigh's bell rang, and Jane hurried to the morning-room.
She found her mistress still seated by the hearth. Her desk stood open on the table by her side; and on the desk lay a letter, so newly addressed that the ink on the envelope was still wet.
"You will take that to the lad who is waiting," said Honoria, pointing to this newly-written letter.
"Yes, my lady."
Jane Payland departed. On the way between Lady Eversleigh's room and the lobby in the servants' offices, she had ample leisure to examine the letter.