After reading the note and questioning his servants, who were certain that the volume had not been touched till he had opened it, he resolved that the missing number of the _Times_ should be procured at any expense and inserted in its place; that the volume should be sent back instantly without a word of comment; and that no more books from Mr.Rambert's library should enter his house.
He walked up and down the study considering what first step he should take to effect the purpose in view.

Under the quickening influence of his irritation, an idea occurred to him, which, if it had only entered his mind the day before, might probably have proved the means of saving him from placing himself under an obligation to Mr.Rambert.He resolved to write immediately to his bookseller and publisher in London (who knew him well as an old and excellent customer), mentioning the date of the back number of the _Times_ that was required, and authorizing the publisher to offer any reward he judged necessary to any person who might have the means of procuring it at the office of the paper or elsewhere.

This letter he wrote and dispatched in good time for the London post, and then went upstairs to see his wife and to tell her what had happened.

Her room was still darkened and she was still on the sofa.

On the subject of the missing number she said nothing, but of Mr.Rambert and his note she spoke with the most sovereign contempt.