consider that nothing will be decided on this or any other point
as to his future until I know your wishes on the matter. Lastly,
dear Herbert, believe me that the news that you have given me
concerning your state of health has caused me deep sorrow, and I
earnestly hope and trust that the doctors may be mistaken in your
case, that you may have a long life before you, and that life may
be happier in the future than it has been in the past.

"I remain,

"Your grateful and affectionate

"MARY CONWAY."

A fortnight later Ralph Conway took his place on the outside of the
coach for London. As to the visit to this unknown friend of his
mother, he anticipated no pleasure from it whatever; but at the same
time the journey itself was delightful to him. He had never during his
remembrance been further away from Dover than Canterbury; and the trip
before him was in those days a more important one than a journey half
over Europe would be at the present time. In his pocket he carried a
piece of paper, on which his mother had carefully written down the
instructions contained in the letter she had received in answer to her
own from Herbert Penfold. Sewn up in the lining of his waistcoat were
five guineas, so that in case the coach was stopped by highwaymen, or
any other misfortune happened, he would still be provided with funds
for continuing his journey.

Under the seat was a small basket filled with sandwiches, and his head
ought to have been equally well filled with the advice his mother had