"Read this letter carefully, digest it, and then briefly explain to me
what the dickens it is all about."

The secretary took the letter and read it carefully.

"This letter is from Lady Linden, of Cornbridge Manor House, Cornbridge.
She is deeply interested in a young lady, Miss Joan Meredyth. At
least--" Hudson paused.

"Joan, pretty little Joan Meredyth--old Tom Meredyth's girl. Yes, go
on!"

"Three years ago," Hudson went on, "Miss Meredyth was married in secret
to a Mr. Hugh Alston--"

"Hugh Alston, of course--bless me, I know of Hugh Alston! Isn't he the
son of old George Alston, of Hurst Dormer?"

"Yes, that would be the man, sir. Her ladyship speaks of Mr. Alston's
house, Hurst Dormer."

"That's the man then, that's the man!" said the General, delighted by
his own shrewdness. "So little Joan married him. Well, what about it?"

"They parted, sir, almost at once, having quarrelled bitterly. Lady
Linden does not say what about, and they have never been together since.
A little while ago she received a letter from Miss Meredyth, as she
still continues to call herself, asking her assistance in finding work
for her to do. And that reminds me, General, that a similar letter was