“Nothing unpleasant, I hope?” he inquired.
“You'll be sorry to hear that Rose's engagement with Harry Netterville is broken off.”
“Broken off!” he exclaimed. “That is bad news indeed! On what account?”
“I was going to say on your account, sir; but that wouldn't be right,” she replied. “However, this is what has taken place. An anonymous letter has been sent to Harry Netterville making reflections upon Rose's conduct with you; and as Harry is very jealous, he believed what was said, and reproached her; and Rose being very hasty, a quarrel ensued, and they both declare they won't make it up, but I hope they will, for I'm sure they're very much attached to each other.”
“I'm surprised as well as grieved by what you tell me, Mrs. Hartley,” replied Chetwynd. “I thought Harry Netterville had more sense than to be influenced by an anonymous slanderer. He ought to have treated the letter with scorn. He knows Rose too well to doubt her for a moment.
“Yes; and that's what makes her so angry with him. 'Harry has never had the slightest reason to complain of me,' she says; and now he gets this false, wicked letter, which is only written to make mischief, he thinks it all true!”
“I fancy I can give a guess at the writer,” said Chetwynd. “The villain had a double motive for sending the letter! But I will see Harry Netterville myself to-morrow, and talk to him.”
“I fear you'll only make matters worse, sir. He is very prejudiced and stupid.”
“But the affair cannot be allowed to remain in this state. I owe it to myself to set it right.”
“Well, you must talk to Rose, sir. I expect her back shortly. She's gone about a place.”