and he, too, resolved on revenge. He sent for his wife. When she came
in, he at once confronted her with her letters, and taxed her with her
guilt. A terrible scene of tears, entreaties, and bitter reproaches
ensued, but Sir CHARLES was as adamant, and his wife retired to her
bedroom in a state of nervous prostration, which immediately brought
on a toothache. At this point she sent for her maid, and gave her the
message to CASANUOVA.

The Coroner was sympathetic, and did what he could, but the evidence
in favour of the suicide theory seemed overwhelming, and the jury
returned a verdict to this effect, with a rider strongly commenting on
the danger of selling such deadly poisons. But it was never explained
how Lady CALLENDER obtained the prussic acid, nor why she had selected
that particular moment for its use. I ought to add, that CASANUOVA
left England before the inquest, and has never returned. On the
mystery of the final catastrophe the manuscript throws no light. It
ends abruptly. But the whole tone of it leads me to believe, that in
some unexplained manner Sir CHARLES himself had been instrumental in
causing his wife's death. But you, no doubt, know, and could tell us
if you wished.

So there, my friend, you have the story. Sorry I couldn't make it more
cheerful. Do you remember the part you played in it?

Yours, &c., DIOGENES ROBINSON.

* * * * *

[Illustration: EXTRACT FROM THE CATALOGUE OF A RECENT SALE.