e's been up to, an' this long time, as it appears.'

In her dialect, which requires so many words for the narration of a
simple story, Mrs. Griffin told what she knew concerning Bob Hewett's
accident and capture; his death had taken place early this morning, and
Pennyloaf was all but crazy with grief. To Jane these things sounded so
extraordinary that for some time she could scarcely put a question, but
sat in dismay, listening to the woman's prolix description of all that
had come to pass since Wednesday evening. At length she called for Mrs.
Byass, for whose benefit the story was repeated.

'I'm sure you oughtn't to go there to-day,' was Bessie's opinion.
'You've quite enough trouble of your own, my dear.'

'And that's just what I was a-sayin', mum,' assented Mrs. Griffin, who
had won Bessie's highest opinion by her free use of respectful forms of
address. 'I never saw no one look iller, as you may say, than the young
lady.'

'Yes, yes, I will go,' said Jane, rising. 'My trouble's nothing to
hers. Oh, I shall go at once.'

'But remember your father's coming at half-past nine,' urged Bessie,
'and he said he wanted to speak to you particular.'

'What is the time now? A quarter to nine. I can be back by half-past, I
think, and then I can go again. Father wouldn't mind waiting a few
minutes. I must go at once, Mrs. Byass.'

She would hear no objection, and speedily left the house in Mrs.
Griffin's company.

At half-past nine, punctually, Mr. Snowdon's double knock sounded at
the door. Joseph looked more respectable than ever in his black
frock-coat and silk hat with the deep band. His bow to Mrs. Byass was
solemn, but gallant; he pressed her fingers like a clergyman paying a
visit of consolation, and in a subdued voice made affectionate inquiry
after his daughter.

'She has slept, I hope, poor child?'

Bessie took him into the sitting-room, and explained Jane's absence.

'A good girl; a good girl,' he remarked, after listening with elevated
brows, 'But she must be careful of her health. My visit this morning is
on matters of business; no doubt she will tell you the principal points
of our conversation afterwards. An excellent friend you have been to
her, Mrs. Byass--excellent.'

'I'm sure I don't see how anyone could help liking her,' said Bessie,
inwardly delighted with the expectation of hearing at length what
Jane's circumstances really were.

'Indeed, so good a friend,' pursued Joseph, 'that I'm afraid