His plans were suddenly brought to a head by his knowledge that Sir Charles was about to leave the Hall on the advice of Dr.Mortimer, with whose opinion he himself pretended to coincide.

He must act at once, or his victim might get beyond his power.

He therefore put pressure upon Mrs.Lyons to write this letter, imploring the old man to give her an interview on the evening before his departure for London.

He then, by a specious argument, prevented her from going, and so had the chance for which he had waited.
"Driving back in the evening from Coombe Tracey he was in time to get his hound, to treat it with his infernal paint, and to bring the beast round to the gate at which he had reason to expect that he would find the old gentleman waiting.

The dog, incited by its master, sprang over the wicket-gate and pursued the unfortunate baronet, who fled screaming down the yew alley.