"The opportunity for which I have been waiting has come at last. Mr. Mountjoy is, I believe, fully recovered. This morning, seeing him so well and strong, I asked him if I might venture to place in his hands a paper containing a narrative.
"'Is it concerning Iris?' he asked.
"'It has to do with Lady Harry—indirectly.'
"For a while he made no reply. Then he asked me if it had also to do with her husband.
"'With her husband and with mine,' I told him.
"Again he was silent.
"After a bit he looked up and said, 'I had promised myself never again to interfere in Lady Harry Norland's affairs. You wish me to read this document, Mrs. Vimpany?"
"'Certainly; I am most anxious that you should read it and should advise upon it.'
"'Who wrote it?'
"'Fanny Mere, Lady Harry's maid.'