"Sir Timothy," said the canon, "I--I have a communication to make to
you."

"On this subject?" said Sir Timothy.

"A letter from Peter."

"Why did you not say so earlier?" said Sir Timothy, harshly.

"I will explain, if you will kindly give me five minutes in the
study."

"A letter from Peter," said Lady Mary, "and not--to me."

She looked round at them all with a little vacant smile.

John Crewys, who knew nothing of Peter's letter, had already grasped
the situation. He divined also that Lady Mary was fighting piteously
against the conviction that Sarah's news was true.

"How could we guess you did not know?" said Mrs. Hewel, almost
weeping.

"I am still in the dark," said Sir Timothy, coldly.

"Birch will explain at once," said the doctor, impatiently.

"Peter writes--asking me,--I am sure I don't know why he pitched upon
me,--to--break the news to you, that he has joined Lord Ferries'
Horse; feeling it his--his duty to his country to do so," said the