The sigh roused Edith. She at once rose from her seat and turned round.

"And now, Mrs. Dunbar," said she, "if you will let me have the writing
materials I will send a few lines to poor Miss Plympton."

Mrs. Dunbar at once arose, and going out of the room, returned in a few
minutes with a desk, which she laid upon another table. Edith at once
seated herself to write, and while the black servant was removing the
things she hurriedly wrote the following:

"DALTON HALL.

"My darling Auntie,--I write at once because I know you will be devoured
with anxiety, and will not sleep to-night unless you hear from me. You
will be delighted to learn, then, that I am safe and unharmed. The man
Wiggins has not yet made his appearance, but I hope to see him this
evening. The Hall looks familiar, but desolate, except in the room where
I now am writing, where I find sufficient comfort to satisfy me. I am
too much fatigued to write any more, nor is it necessary, as I intend to
call on you as early as possible to-morrow morning. Until then good-by,
and don't be foolishly anxious about your own.

EDITH."

This note Edith folded and directed to "Miss Plympton, Dalton." After
which she handed it to Mrs. Dunbar, who took it in silence and left the
room.

For some time Edith sat involved in thought. She had written cheerfully
enough to Miss Plympton, but that was from a kindly desire to reassure