t if you take me in the right way. Of course I shall never rest for
wondering who it can be--'

She paused, but Nancy did not look up, did not stir.

'Perhaps you'll tell me some other time. But there's one thing I should
like to ask about, and it's for your own good that I should know it.
When Crewe was down there, don't you think he tumbled to anything?'

Perplexed by unfamiliar slang, Nancy raised her eyes.

'Found out anything, you mean? I don't know.'

'But you must have been in a jolly fright about it?'

'I gave it very little thought,' replied Nancy, able now to command a
steady voice, and retiring behind a manner of frigid indifference.

'No? Well, of course I understand that better now I know that you can't
lose anything. Still, it is to be hoped he didn't go asking questions.
By-the-bye, you may as well just tell me: he has asked you to marry him,
hasn't he?'

'Yes.'

Beatrice nodded.

'Doesn't matter. You needn't be afraid, even if he got hold of anything.
He isn't the kind of man to injure you out of spite.'

'I fear him as little as I fear you.'

'Well, as I've told you, you needn't fear me at all. I like you better
for this--a good deal better than I used to. If you want any help, you
know where to turn; I'll do whatever I can for you; and I'm in the way
of being useful to my friends. You're cut up just now; it's natural. I
won't bother you any longer. But just remember what I've said. If I can
be of any service, don't be above making use of me.'

Nancy heard without heeding; for an anguish of shame and misery once
more fell upon her, and seemed to lay waste her soul.

Part V: Compassed Round

CHAPTER 1

There needed not Mary Woodruff's suggestion to remind Nancy that no
further away than Champion Hill were people of whom, in extremity, she
might inquire concerning her husband. At present, even could she
have entertained the thought, it seemed doubtful whether the Vawdrey
household knew more of Tarrant's position and purposes than she herself;
for, only a month ago, Jessica Morgan had called upon the girls and had
ventured a question about their cousin, whereupon they answered that
he was in America, but that he had not written for a long time. To Mrs.
Baker, Jessica did not like to speak on the subject, but probably that
lady could have answered only as the children did.

Once, indeed, a few days after her return, Nancy took the familiar walk
along Champion Hill, and g