The latest story had just been declared baseless by no
less an authority than the vicar, who surely was not a man to
maintain friendship with a worthless profligate. What did it all
mean? She had heard only half an hour ago of Adela's positive
acceptance of Mutimer, and was wretched about it; secure in her own
love-match, it was the mystery of mysteries that Adela should
consent to marry a man she could scarcely endure. And here a chance
of rescue seemed to be offering; was it not her plain duty to give
what help she might?
'You have probably not seen her since I gave you the book?' Hubert
said, perceiving that Letty was quite at a loss for words.
'No, I haven't seen her at all to-day,' was the reply. 'Do you wish
me to go to-night?'
'You consent to do me this great kindness?'
Letty blushed. Was she not committing herself too hastily
'There cannot be any harm in giving your message,' she said, half
interrogatively, her timidity throwing itself upon Hubert's honour.
'Surely no harm in that.'
'But do you know that she--have you heard--?'
'Yes, I know. She has accepted an offer of marriage. It was because
I heard of it that I came to you. You are her nearest friend; you
can speak to her as others would not venture to. I ask only for five
minutes. I entreat her to grant me that.
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