“All schemes for his benefit are now useless,” said Emmeline. “He no longer needs our aid.”
“Did I hear aright?” said Mrs. Calverley, starting up, and coming towards them. “It cannot be that Chetwynd is dead?”
“It is so,” said Emmeline.
“But how did he die?” asked Mrs. Calverley.
“By his own hand!” replied Emmeline, regarding her fixedly.
Mrs. Calverley looked aghast, and as if ready to drop.
“I did not understand he had destroyed himself,” said Sir Bridgnorth. “When did this sad event occur? Can you give me any particulars?”
“I can only state that he contemplated suicide,” replied Mildred. “This letter is a last farewell to me.”
“Ah! then we need not despair of beholding him again,” said Sir Bridgnorth, with a sensation of relief. “Many a man, now alive, has threatened to put an end to his existence. I hope it may turn out to be so in Chetwynd's case.”
“I sincerely hope so!” said Mrs. Calverley.