" But her companion would take no denial, and
she was forced to go out. The one guileless purpose of the life which
Magdalen now led was the resolution that poor Mrs. Wragge should not be
made a prisoner on her account; and to that resolution she mechanically
clung, as the last token left her by which she knew her better-self.
They returned later than usual to breakfast. While Mrs. Wragge was
upstairs, straightening herself from head to foot to meet the morning
inspection of her husband's orderly eye; and while Magdalen and the
captain were waiting for her in the parlor, the servant came in with a
note from Sea-view Cottage. The messenger was waiting for an answer, and
the note was addressed to Captain Wragge.
The captain opened the note and read these lines:
"DEAR SIR--Mr. Noel Vanstone desires me to write and tell you that he
proposes enjoying this fine day by taking a long drive to a place on the
coast here called Dunwich. He is anxious to know if you will share the
expense of a carriage, and give him the pleasure of your company and
Miss Bygrave's company on this excursion. I am kindly permitted to
be one of the party; and if I may say so without impropriety, I would
venture to add that I shall feel as much pleasure as my master if
you and your young lady will consent to join us.
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