“MY EVER DEAREST WIFE,—
“Since Sir William told me how weak your heart is, and how harmful
any shock might be, I have never talked about my business affairs
to you. The time has come when at all risks I can no longer
refrain from telling you that things have been going badly with
me. This will cause me to leave you for a little time, but it is
with the absolute assurance that we shall see each other very
soon. On this you can thoroughly rely. Our parting is only for a
very short time, my own darling, so don’t let it fret you, and
above all don’t let it impair your health, for that is what I want
above all things to avoid.
“Now, I have a request to make, and I implore you by all that
binds us together to fulfil it exactly as I tell you. There are
some things which I do not wish to be seen by any one in my dark
room—the room which I use for photographic purposes at the end of
the garden passage. To prevent any painful thoughts, I may assure
you once for all, dear, that it is nothing of which I need be
ashamed. But still I do not wish you or Felix to enter that room.
It is locked, and I implore you when you receive this to at once
place a seal over the lock, and leave it so. Do not sell or let
the house, for in either case my secret will be discovered. As
long as you or Felix are in the house, I know that you will comply
with my wishes. When Felix is twenty-one he may enter the room—not
before.
“And now, good-bye, my own best of wives. During our short
separation you can consult Mr. Perceval on any matters which may
arise. He has my complete confidence. I hate to leave Felix and
you—even for a time—but there is really no choice.
“Ever and always your loving husband,