A copy of the Bucklandbury News, containing an account of his evening adventure, did not reach Miltoun till he was just starting on his return journey.

It came marked with blue pencil together with a note.
"MY DEAR EUSTACE, "The enclosed--however unwarranted and impudent--requires attention.

But we shall do nothing till you come back.
"Yours ever, "WILLIAM SHROPTON." The effect on Miltoun might perhaps have been different had he not been so conscious of his intention to ask Audrey Noel to be his wife; but in any circumstances it is doubtful whether he would have done more than smile, and tear the paper up.

Truly that sort of thing had so little power to hurt or disturb him personally, that he was incapable of seeing how it could hurt or disturb others.

If those who read it were affected, so much the worse for them.