And this one, this, the most important--the only important one of them all, had flown, half-scorched, up the chimney and clung there within easy reach.
The whole incident was plain to me, and I could even fix upon the moment when Hexford or Clarke discovered this invaluable bit of evidence.

It was just before I burst in upon them from the ballroom, and it was the undoubted occasion of the remark I then overheard: "_This settles it.

He cannot escape us now_." During the momentary silence which now ensued, I tried to remember the exact words which had composed this note.

They were few---sparks from my very heart--I ought to be able to recollect them.
"To-night--10:30 train--we will be married at P----.

Come, come, my darling, my life.