Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 224: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE MYSTERIOUS MISSIVE 207 ascended into the air, as if knowing that its mission was accomplished, and was soon out of sight. ‘“‘ Doubtless that intelligent little creature,’’ said Elizabeth, still hesitating whether to open the letter, ‘“ has been to the cottage, and not finding me there, went forth in search of its well-known mistress. But as you have suggested, there will be no harm in seeing what Kate says.”’ She accordingly opened the billet, the contents of which were in Miss. Marshall’s handwriting. The ambiguous arrangement of the letters of the alphabet was not observed on this occasion, for Kate no doubt had fancied that, as her friend Lady Bess wrote so positively to declare that she thenceforth dispensed with the service of the carrier-pigeons, | she had destroyed the cypher-book for the current year, which indicated the initial letter for each respective day. The note contained the following lines: ‘“ Dover, August 4, 1844. “ T am rejoiced, my dear friend, that circumstances have so changed with you as to render your future prospects of the brightest character. I know not whether this little missive will reach you, but Iriskit. Indeed, I cannot refrain - from the endeavour to convey a piece of information which nearly concerns you. A certain person arrived at Dover yesterday, and stayed a few hours at our house. His name being known to me, I spoke to him, and found that he has come to England in search of you. You can guess to whom I allude, as I dare not enter into particulars, for fear this note should fall into other hands than yours. “Your affectionate friend, 6 Cc, We “To whom can she allude? ” ejaculated Frank, he having read this note simultaneously with his sister. “IT cannot conceive,’’ observed the latter, thoughtfully. ‘Surely — But no; it is scarcely possible. At all events, the note requires not an answer, and I am glad of it; for though I never can forget the kindnesses I have received from the Marshalls, yet in obedience to our father’s wishes. all correspondence must henceforth cease betweén them . and me. Come, Frank, let us hasten back to Mrs. Leyden’s house, for Adolphus will wonder what has become of us.”’ <S (EO) EORNICLOOO