"No, thank you," I answered; "I must write some letters before I go
anywhere. I will ride to the nearest town and post them presently, if I
may." I left the room as I spoke.

Shortly afterwards I saw from a window Sir Henry and his wife drive
away. They drove in a large open landau, and two girls who were staying
in the house accompanied them. My hour had come, and I went up at once
to Sir Henry's bedroom. Lady Studley's room opened directly into that of
her husband, but both rooms had separate entrances.

I locked the two outer doors now, and then began my investigations. I
had the key of the wardrobe in my pocket.

[Illustration: "GOOD HEAVENS! WHAT HAD HAPPENED?"]

It was troublesome to unlock, because the key was a little rusty, and it
was more than evident that the heavy doors had not been opened for some
time. Both these doors were made of glass. When shut, they resembled in
shape and appearance an ordinary old-fashioned window. The glass was set
in deep mullions. It was thick, was of a peculiar shade of light blue,
and was evidently of great antiquity. I opened the doors and went
inside. The wardrobe was so roomy that I could stand upright with
perfect comfort. It was empty, and was lined through and through with
solid oak. I struck a light and began to examine the interior with care.
After a great deal of patient investigation I came across a notch in the
wood. I pressed my finger on this, and immediately a little panel slid
back, which revealed underneath a small button. I turned the button and
a door at the back of the wardrobe flew open. A flood of sunlight poured
in, and stepping out, I found myself in another room. I looked around me
in astonishment. This was a lady's chamber. Good heavens! what had