Wakefield, on hearing that
name. "We will leave it with you. If you wish for further
information, I would call immediately on receiving a line at my
office."
Just then a message was brought from Mrs. Evelyn inviting Miss
Menella's friends to stay to luncheon. It incited Elvira, who knew
neither awe nor manners, to run across the great drawing-room,
leaving the doors open behind her, to the little morning-room, where
sat Mrs. Evelyn, with Sydney, in her habit standing by the
mantelpiece.
"Oh, Mrs. Evelyn," Elvira began, "it is Mr. Wakefield and my uncle
and his wife. They have come to say it is all mine; Uncle Barnes
left it all to me."
"So I hear from Mrs. Brownlow," said Mrs. Evelyn gravely.
"Oh, Elfie, I am so sorry for you. Don't you hate it?" cried Sydney.
"Oh, but it is such fun! I can do everything I please," said the
heiress.
"Yes, that's the best part," said Sydney. "I do envy you the day
when you give it all back to Allen."
That reminded Elvira to open the note, and as she read it her great
eyes grew round.
"SWEETEST AND DEAREST,-—How I have always loved, and always shall
love you, you know full well. But these altered circumstances bring
about what you have so often playfully wished. Say the word and you
are free, no longer bound to me by anything that has passed between
us, though the very fibres of my heart and life are as much as ever
entwined about you.
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