CHAPTER VIII.
On the morning of the first Friday in May Marian received this letter: "Uxbridge Road, Holland Park, W.
"DEAR MISS LIND: I must begin by explaining why I make this communication to you by letter instead of orally.

It is because I am about to ask you to do me a favor.

If you asked me to do anything for you, then, no matter how much my judgment might protest against my compliance, I could not without pain to myself refuse you face to face.

I have no right to assume that your heart would plead on my behalf against your head in this fashion; but, on the other hand--the wish is father to the thought here--I have no right to assume that it would not.

Therefore, to spare you all influences except the fair ones of your own interest and inclination, I make my proposal in writing.