Chapter 4

_From Mr. Loscombe to Mrs. Noel Vanstone._

"Lincoln's Inn, November 6th.

"DEAR MADAM--This morning's post has doubtless brought you the same
shocking news which it has brought to me. You must know by this time
that a terrible affliction has befallen you--the affliction of your
husband's sudden death.

"I am on the point of starting for the North, to make all needful
inquiries, and to perform whatever duties I may with propriety
undertake, as solicitor to the deceased gentleman. Let me earnestly
recommend you not to follow me to Baliol Cottage, until I have had time
to write to you first, and to give you such advice as I cannot, through
ignorance of all the circumstances, pretend to offer now. You may rely
on my writing, after my arrival in Scot-land, by the first post. I
remain, dear madam, faithfully yours,

"JOHN LOSCOMBE."