"Eureka! here it is. Found it lying on a desk. Was attracted by the singular writing."
"Singular writing! that makes me believe it must have come from my mother."
"It is signed Sister Magdalen."
"Then that proves it; you remember what Lady Ruth said about meeting a Sister in Paris who resembled the miniature I have of my mother. It was a kind fate that brought this to you, professor."
"Well, you see, I always had a faculty for prying around—might have been a famous explorer of Egyptian tombs if I hadn't been taken in and done for by Gwen Makepeace."
"Was there anything particularly interesting in this letter?" asks John.
"I considered it so—you will see for yourself," is the reply.
All is darkness around them. John is possessed of patience to a reasonable extent, but he would like to see what this paper contains.
"Professor, you seem to have about everything; can you drum up a cigar and a match?"
"Both, luckily."