"You have a right to peruse it, sir.

You will see, however, that its contents are of a strictly private nature, and will respect this lady's confidence." "Certainly, certainly." Mr.Basket drew out his spectacles, and, receiving Miss Marty's permission, seated himself at the table, spread out the letter and slowly read it through.

"Most extraordinary! _Most_ extraordinary! But you'll excuse my saying that while, unfortunately, it affords no clue, this seems to me as far as possible removed from the composition of a madman." He gazed almost gallantly over his spectacles at Miss Marty, who coloured.
"In any case," he went on, folding up the letter and returning it, "the man must be found.

I understand, madam, that you are a relative of his?
Has he any others with whom we can communicate ?" "So far as I know, sir, none." "I have a chaise awaiting me on the other side of the ferry.
With all respect, dear madam, I suggest it; I am sorry indeed to put you to inconvenience--" "You propose that Miss Marty, here, should accompany you back to Plymouth ?" "That was the suggestion in my mind.

And you, too, sir--that is, if you can make it square with your engagements.