Perhaps Hardley had given more thought than I'd expected to my words, for I received a message from him the next morning. I was inclined to be suspicious of any note at first but I soon saw that the writing was completely different to any of the previous notes I'd received and, after all, I had been warned that today could likely see an end to our masquerade. It said simply:

 It's time for you to know the truth. Nobody else must know, however. Therefore you will meet me in the gamekeepers cottage at 3:00 this afternoon. I need hardly tell you not to mention this to any other member of my family. 

 Hardley. 

I was half diverted and half indignant at the peremptory nature of this message. However, I'd no longer any doubt th...

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