"Here, master, is this your yourn?"

"What?" asked the master morosely.

"This book, sir; I found it in the lodge."

Mechanically, Mr. Mordecai took it from the servant, and placed it
in the inner pocket of his coat, and then passed on without a word.
In the house, all were startled, all dismayed, at the disclosure in
the letter; all, save Rebecca, were filled with sadness. She felt no
regret. The brother and sister moved silently and sorrowfully about
the house, and in and out of the vacated chamber, hardly realizing
that their gentle sister had indeed gone.






CHAPTER XXV.





MR. MORDECAI had scarcely passed a square from his home, when
suddenly he retraced his steps, and stood again before the lodge.

"Mingo," he said sharply, "tell your mistress to send me that cursed
letter. Be quick."