You do not leave me much to tell."
"Did she say anything of importance--bearing upon our inquiry, I mean?"
"Nothing. She had not quitted the rectory since we came away. I asked her
to pick up any village gossip about the people at the Hall, and let us
know at the earliest moment if she regarded it as valuable in any way."
"That was thoughtful of you. A great deal may happen there at any moment."
A waiter knocked and entered. He handed a letter to Hume.
"From Nellie," said David hastily.
He opened the envelope and perused a short note, which he gave to Brett.
It ran:--
"DEAREST,--I have just heard from Jane, our under-housemaid, that
Mr. Capella is leaving the Hall for London by an early train
to-morrow. Jane 'walks out' with Mr. Capella's valet, and is in
tears. Tell Mr. Brett. I am going to help Mrs. Eastham to select
prize books for the school treat to-morrow at eleven.
"--With love, yours,
"NELLIE."
"Who brought this note?" inquired Hume from the waiter as he picked up pen
and paper.
"A man from Sleagill, sir. Any reply?"
"Certainly. Tell him to wait in the tap-room at my expense." He commenced
to write.
"Any message?" he asked Brett.
"Yes. Give Miss Layton my compliments, and say I regret to hear that Jane
is in tears. Ask her--Miss Layton--to get Jane to find out from the valet
what train his master will travel by.
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