He had secured a latch-key during his last visit to Lidford House, and could let himself in quietly of a night without entrenching upon the regular habits of Mrs.Lister's household.
Once clear of the cottage, John Saltram's gaiety vanished all in a moment, and gave place to a moody silence which Gilbert was powerless to dissipate.
"Is there anything amiss, Jack ?" he asked.

"I know high spirits are not always a sign of inward contentment with you.

Is there anything wrong to-night ?" "No." "Are you sure of that ?" "Quite sure.

I may be a little knocked up perhaps; that's all." No hint of his intended departure fell from him when they shook hands and wished each other good-night; but early next morning a brief note was delivered to Mr.Fenton at his sister's house to the following effect:-- "MY DEAR GILBERT,--I find myself obliged to leave this place for London at once, and have not time to thank anyone for the kindness I have received during my stay.

Will you do the best to repair this omission on my part, and offer my warmest expressions of gratitude to Captain Sedgewick and Miss Nowell for their goodness to me?
Pray apologise for me also to Mr.and Mrs.Lister for my inability to make my adieux in a more formal manner than this, a shortcoming which I hope to atone for on some future visit.