This was how Irene came to have a knowledge of Felix Hoffman. His reply was sent on to Hazelwell, and she decided to show both letters to the Squire.
"I hope you will not think me very foolish," she said, as she handed him the letters; "you will gather from them what has taken place."
Redmond Maynard read them, and said—
"This man, whoever he is, must be a clever rogue, it is a form of begging-letter writing I have never seen before. I do not blame you for sending the money, although had you consulted me I should have felt more inclined to hand over the matter to the police. You must not send him any more money," said the Squire.
"Do you think he will write for more?"
"Most decidedly, especially as his first letter was such a success."
"I had thought of going to Feltham the next time I am in London, and finding out where he lives and the kind of man he is," she said.
"You must not do anything of the kind. There is no telling where he is; at any rate, you must not venture there alone," he replied.
"It is merely from a desire to gratify my curiosity that I wish to go. I am sure no harm will come of it."
The Squire shook his head, as he replied—