Lady Carbury, in order that she might be quite safe from opposition, had posted the following letter to her cousin before she spoke to her daughter:-- Welbeck Street, 24th April, 18--.
My dear Roger, We know how kind you are and how sincere, and that if what I am going to propose doesn't suit you'll say so at once.

I have been working very hard too hard indeed, and I feel that nothing will do me so much real good as getting into the country for a day or two.
Would you take us for a part of Whitsun week?
We would come down on the 20th May and stay over the Sunday if you would keep us.
Felix says he would run down though he would not trouble you for so long a time as we talk of staying.
I'm sure you must have been glad to hear of his being put upon that Great American Railway Board as a Director.

It opens a new sphere of life to him, and will enable him to prove that he can make himself useful.

I think it was a great confidence to place in one so young.
Of course you will say so at once if my little proposal interferes with any of your plans, but you have been so very very kind to us that I have no scruple in making it.
Henrietta joins with me in kind love.
Your affectionate cousin, MATILDA CARBURY.
There was much in this letter that disturbed and even annoyed Roger Carbury.

In the first place he felt that Henrietta should not be brought to his house.