IX.
From Mrs. Ruddock (Lodging-house Keeper) to Mr. Loscombe.
“Park Terrace, St. John’s Wood, June 2d.
“SIR—Having, by Mrs. Noel Vanstone’s directions, taken letters for her
to the post, addressed to you—and knowing no one else to apply to—I
beg to inquire whether you are acquainted with any of her friends; for
I think it right that they should be stirred up to take some steps about
her.
“Mrs. Vanstone first came to me in November last, when she and her maid
occupied my apartments. On that occasion, and again on this, she has
given me no cause to complain of her. She has behaved like a lady, and
paid me my due. I am writing, as a mother of a family, under a sense of
responsibility—I am not writing with an interested motive.
“After proper warning given, Mrs. Vanstone (who is now quite
alone) leaves me to-morrow. She has not concealed from me that her
circumstances are fallen very low, and that she cannot afford to remain
in my house. This is all she has told me—I know nothing of where she is
going, or what she means to do next. But I have every reason to believe
she desires to destroy all traces by which she might be found, after
leaving this place—for I discovered her in tears yesterday, burning
letters which were doubtless letters from her friends. In looks and
conduct she has altered most shockingly in the last week. I believe
there is some dreadful trouble on her mind; and I am afraid, from what I
see of her, that she is on the eve of a serious illness. It is very sad
to see such a young woman so utterly deserted and friendless as she is
now.
“Excuse my troubling you with this letter; it is on my conscience to
write it. If you know any of her relations, please warn them that time
is not to be wasted. If they lose to-morrow, they may lose the last
chance of finding her.
“Your humble servant,
“CATHERINE RUDDOCK.”
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