"WINDYGATES HOUSE, _August_ 12, 1868.

"GEOFFREY DELAMAYN,--I have waited in the hope that you would ride over
from your brother's place, and see me--and I have waited in vain. Your
conduct to me is cruelty itself; I will bear it no longer. Consider! in
your own interests, consider--before you drive the miserable woman who
has trusted you to despair. You have promised me marriage by all that is
sacred. I claim your promise. I insist on nothing less than to be
what you vowed I should be--what I have waited all this weary time to
be--what I _am_, in the sight of Heaven, your wedded wife. Lady Lundie
gives a lawn-party here on the 14th. I know you have been asked. I
expect you to accept her invitation. If I don't see you, I won't answer
for what may happen. My mind is made up to endure this suspense no
longer. Oh, Geoffrey, remember the past! Be faithful--be just--to your
loving wife,

"ANNE SILVESTER."



Mr. Bishopriggs paused. His commentary on the correspondence, so far,
was simple enough. "Hot words (in ink) from the leddy to the gentleman!"
He ran his eye over the second letter, on the fourth page of the paper,
and added, cynically, "A trifle caulder (in pencil) from the gentleman
to the leddy! The way o' the warld, Sirs! From the time o' Adam
downwards, the way o' the warld!"