Third Period Chapter 25 The Doctor in Difficulties

Being in a position to make the inquiries which Mrs. Vimpany had
suggested, Hugh received information which verified the statements
contained in the circular, and vouched for the good faith of those
persons who were concerned in directing the speculation. So far, so
good.

But, when the question of success was next discussed, the authorities
consulted shook their wise heads. It was impossible to say what losses
might not be suffered, and what sums of money might not be required,
before the circulation of the new journal would justify the hope of
success. This opinion Hugh communicated to Mrs. Vimpany; Iris was
informed of it by that day's post.

A longer time than usual elapsed before any further news of Lord Harry
and his wife was received by Mountjoy. When he did at last hear again
from Mrs. Vimpany, she forwarded a letter from Iris dated from a new
address, in the suburb of Paris called Passy.

From motives of economy (Iris wrote) her husband had decided on a
change of residence. They were just established in their new abode,
with the advantages of a saving in rent, a pretty little garden to
cultivate, and purer air to breathe than the air of Paris. There the
letter ended, without the slightest allusion to the forthcoming
newspaper, or to the opinion that had been pronounced on the prospects
of success.

In forwarding this letter, Mrs. Vimpany wrote on the blank page as
follows: "I am sorry to add that some disquieting news of my husband
has reached me. For the present, I will say no more. It is at least
possible that the report may not be worthy of belief."