"There is no need to answer this letter immediately--unless I have
written it under a mistaken impression of what you have accomplished
since leaving London. I have taken our lodgings on for another week; and
I can wait to hear from you until you are able to send me such news as
I wish to receive. You may be quite sure of my patience for the future,
under all possible circumstances. My caprices are at an end, and my
violent temper has tried your forbearance for the last time.
"MAGDALEN."
XII.
_From Captain Wragge to Magdalen._
"North Shingles Villa, Aldborough, Suffolk, July 22d.
"MY DEAR GIRL--Your letter has charmed and touched me. Your excuses have
gone straight to my heart; and your confidence in my humble abilities
has followed in the sa me direction. The pulse of the old militia-man
throbs with pride as he thinks of the trust you have placed in him,
and vows to deserve it. Don't be surprised at this genial outburst.
All enthusiastic natures must explode occasionally; and _my_ form of
explosion is--Words.
"Everything you wanted me to do is done. The house is taken; the name is
found; and I am personally acquainted with Mrs.
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