Page:Elizabeth's Pretenders.djvu/95

82 pursuing; but, for the moment, it was important to avoid the appearance of flight, and the maid could be discharged in London. By this means she would be halfway there before Mrs. Shaw, who never breakfasted till ten, came downstairs. The letter which Elizabeth now sat down to write was to be placed upon the breakfast-table. It ran as follows:—

"When you learn that I have left your roof, never to return, you will at once understand the only cause that could have led me to take such a step. From this day forward you and I are strangers. I pray to God that my uncle's heart may not be broken by a knowledge of your wickedness. The enclosed, which I leave open that you may read, is the explanation I choose to give, and which I desire you to adopt, of my conduct. You will observe that I have taken the whole blame of this parting on myself. E. S."

In the same cover was another letter, unsealed, addressed to William Shaw.

"" (it began),

"I am, as you know, a hot-headed girl, and I am also very obstinate. I have broken my engagement. The breach between Colonel Wybrowe and me is irreparable. I will never willingly see him again. I know now that he only wanted to marry me for my money. Nothing that you or any one else can say would persuade me to the contrary. And, as I desire to avoid all discussion—in fact, never to hear the