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Rh generously to me, and gave me the highest character, and said if I was out of place when she returned to England"

"Oh! she is going to remain out of England some time, is she?"

"I am sure I don't know—I suppose so," replied the girl, colouring. Elizabeth had enjoined her to mention to no one the fact that she had crossed the seas, and now she had gone and let it out! But it was only to Mr. Twisden's nephew and representative, so it couldn't signify.

"Well, you had better leave your address with our clerk, in case Mr. Twisden wishes to communicate with you. Then he will whistle for a cab for you. You will find your trunk in the outer office. Good morning."

As soon as the door was shut, George Daintree turned over the letter in his hand, and examined the fastening of the envelope. He flushed quickly as he did so. He had never before thought of opening a letter not addressed to himself, but he thought of it now. What he had gathered from Mr. Shaw's conversation with his uncle had sharpened his curiosity concerning the heiress's strange escapade. He had just discovered that she was on the Continent. But where? This he was bent on learning; and if he gave Miss Shaw's letter unopened to his uncle, he might never learn it. George was more tenacious of purpose than of principle. During the last two days an idea had been forming in his brain, for the development of which it was essential he should obtain this knowledge. He was loth to open the letter. But, after all, what harm would it do to any one? He would