rning at breakfast…time in pany with a more important looking munication in a long blue envelope。
Katherine Grey opened Mrs Harfield's letter first。 The finished production ran as follows：
〃Dear Miss Grey；
My husband and I wish to express our thanks to you for your services to my poor cousin； Emma。 Her death has been a great blow to us； though we were； of course； aware that her mind has been failing for some time past。 I understand that her latter testamentary dispositions have been of a most peculiar character； and they would not hold good； of course； in any court of law。 I have no doubt that； with your usual good sense； you have already realized this fact。 If these matters can be arranged privately it is always so much better； my husband says。 We shall be pleased to remend you most highly for a similar post and hope that you will also accept a small present。 Believe me； dear Miss Grey； yours cordially；
Mary Anne Harfield。〃
Katherine Grey read the letter through； smiled a little； and read it a second time。 Her face as she laid the letter down after the second reading was distinctly amused。 Then she took up the second letter。 After one brief perusal she laid it down and stared very straight in front of her。 This time she did not smile。 Indeed； it would have been hard for anyone watching her to guess what emotions lay behind that quiet； reflective gaze。
Katherine Grey was thirty…three。 She came of good family； but her father had lost a