She could not even face such a possibility.

But then, supposing on the other hand that her missive united two loving, estranged hearts, and that dear Magdalen owed her happiness--and a titled happiness--to her.

Then Algernon and Mary would be forced to admit that she had shown a courage and devotion greater than theirs.

"We only talked, you acted," they would both say, and she would thenceforth be recognised in her true light, as an incomparable counsellor, and a judicious, far-seeing friend.
But three weeks had elapsed since Aunt Aggie, stealing out alone, had dropped that momentous letter into the village post-box.

Nothing had happened.