We propose leaving
Aldborough punctually at eleven o'clock. Believe me, dear sir, your
humble servant,
"VIRGINIE LECOUNT."
"Who is the letter from?" asked Magdalen, noticing a change in Captain
Wragge's face as he read it. "What do they want with us at Sea-view
Cottage?"
"Pardon me," said the captain, gravely, "this requires consideration.
Let me have a minute or two to think."
He took a few turns up and down the room, then suddenly stepped aside to
a table in a corner on which his writing materials were placed. "I
was not born yesterday, ma'am!" said the captain, speaking jocosely to
himself. He winked his brown eye, took up his pen, and wrote the answer.
"Can you speak now?" inquired Magdalen, when the servant had left the
room. "What does that letter say, and how have you answered it?"
The captain placed the letter in her hand. "I have accepted the
invitation," he replied, quietly.
Magdalen read the letter. "Hidden enmity yesterday," she said, "and open
friendship to-day. What does it mean?"
"It means," said Captain Wragge, "that Mrs. Lecount is even sharper than
I thought her. She has found you out."
"Impossible," cried Magdalen.
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