I bowed, and sat down in one of the straight-back chairs. I also
began, in my fright, to play with one of the pieces of
embroidery.

"Is Lady Jane's work in your way?" (Lady Jane is named after
Jane, the famous Countess, Lady-in-Waiting to Caroline of
Anspach.)

I dropped the embroidery, and put my foot on my hat.

"I believe, Mr. Carter, that you are acquainted with Miss
Dorothea Foster?"

"I have that pleasure," said I.

"Who is about to be married to my son, the Earl of Mickleham?"

"That, I believe, is so," said I. I was beginning to pull myself
together.

"My son, Mr. Carter, is of a simple and trusting disposition.
Perhaps I had better come to the point. I am informed by this
letter that, in conversation with the writer the other day,
Archibald mentioned, quite incidentally, some very startling
facts. Those facts concern you, Mr. Carter."

"May I ask the name of the writer?"

"I do not think that is necessary," said she. "She is a lady in