_From Mr. Pendril to Miss Garth._
"Serle Street, November 6th.
"DEAR MISS GARTH--I return you Mrs. Noel Vanstone's letter. I can
understand your mortification at the tone in which it is written, and
your distress at the manner in which this unhappy woman has interpreted
the conversation that she overheard at your house. I cannot honestly add
that I lament what has happened. My opinion has never altered since the
Combe-Raven time. I believe Mrs. Noel Vanstone to be one of the most
reckless, desperate, and perverted women living; and any circumstances
that estrange her from her sister are circumstances which I welcome, for
her sister's sake.
"There cannot be a moment's doubt on the course you ought to follow in
this matter. Even Mrs. Noel Vanstone herself acknowledges the propriety
of sparing her sister additional and unnecessary distress. By all means,
keep Miss Vanstone in ignorance of the visit to Kensington, and of
the letter which has followed it. It would be not only unwise, but
absolutely cruel, to enlighten her. If we had any remedy to apply, or
even any hope to offer, we might feel some hesitation in keeping our
secret. But there is no remedy, and no hope. Mrs. Noel Vanstone is
perfectly justified in the view she takes of her own position. Neither
you nor I can assert the smallest right to control her.
"I have already taken the necessary measures for putting an end to our
useless inquiries. In a few days I will write to Miss Vanstone, and will
do my best to tranquilize her mind on the subject of her sister. If
I can find no sufficient excuse to satisfy her, it will be better she
should think we have discovered nothing than that she should know the
truth. Believe me most truly yours,
"WILLIAM PENDRIL."