"Dear dad and dear mother, I am a little anxious about what Acton said to Gray—about money troubles that threaten wealthy people. And so it makes me very happy to know that the rather overwhelming fortune which you so long ago set aside for me to accumulate until my marriage is at last at your disposal again. Because Gray told me that Acton was forced to borrow such frightful sums at such ruinous rates. And now you need borrow no more, need you?
"You have been so good to me—both of you. I am afraid you won't believe how dearly I love you. I don't very well see how you can believe it. But it is true.
"The light in Mr. Hamil's sick-room seems to be out. I am going to ask what it means.
"Good-night, my darling two—I will write you every day.
"SHIELA."
She was standing, looking out across the night at the darkened windows of the sick-room, her sealed letter in her hand, when she heard the lower door open and shut, steps on the stairs—and turned to face her husband.
"W-what is it?" she faltered.
"What is what?" he asked coolly.
"The reason there is no light in Mr. Hamil's windows?"
"He's asleep," said Malcourt in a dull voice.