"And so, my father, to save myself from such a depth of degradation
and misery, I take my destiny into my own hands. I have grown very
strong in my convictions and purposes in the last four weeks. My
sight has become suddenly clear. I am older by many years.

"As for George Granger, all I can now say is that I love him, and
believe him to be worthy of my love. I am willing to trust him, and
am ready to share his lot, however humble.

"Still hold me in your heart, my precious father, as I hold you in
mine.

"EDITH."

Mr. Dinneford read this letter twice. It took him some time, his
eyes were so full of tears. In view of her approaching marriage with
Spencer Wray, his heart had felt very heavy. It was something
lighter now. Young Granger was not the man he would have chosen for
Edith, but he liked him far better than he did the other, and felt
that his child was safe now.

He went to his wife's room, and found her with Edith's letter
crushed in her hand. She was sitting motionless, her face pale and
rigid, her eyes fixed and stony and her lips tight against her
teeth. She did not seem to notice his presence until he put his hand
upon her, which he did without speaking. At this she started up and
looked at him with a kind of fierce intentness.

"Are you a party to this frightful things?" she demanded.