that of Grim, who had
pushed between the man's legs and was peering up, as if in search of
some familiar aspect.

From the porter he learned that the police had made that afternoon an
inspection of Ida's rooms, though with what result was not known. The
couple had clearly formed their own opinion as to Waymark's interest in
the accused girl, but took the position in a very matter-of-fact way,
and were eager to hear more than they succeeded in getting out of the
police.

"My main object in coming," Waymark explained, "was to look after her
cat. I see you have been good enough to anticipate me."

"The poor thing takes on sadly," said the woman. "Of course I shouldn't
have known nothing if the hofficers hadn't come, and it 'ud just have
starved to death. It seems to know you, sir?"

"Yes, yes, I dare say. Do you think you could make it convenient to
keep the cat for the present, if I paid you for its food?"

"Well, I don't see why not, sir; we ain't got none of our own."

"And you would promise me to be kind to it? I don't mind the expense;
keep it well, and let me know what you spend. And of course I should
consider your trouble."

So that matter was satisfactorily arranged, and Waymark went home.

Julian spent his day at the hospital as usual, finding relief in fixing
his attention upon outward things. It was only when he left his work in
the evening that he became aware how exhausted he was in mind and body.
And the dread which he had hitherto kept off came back upon him, the
dread of seeing his wife's face and hearing her voice. When he parted
with Waymark in the morning, he had thought that he would be able to
come to some resolution during the day as to his behaviour with regard
to her. But no such decision had been formed, and his overtaxed mind
could do no more than dwell with dull persistency on a long prospect of
wretchedness. Fear and hatred moved him in turns, and the fear was as
much of himself as of the object of his hate.

As he approached the door, a man came out whom he did not know, but
whose business he suspected. He had little doubt that it was a police
officer in plain clothes. He had to stand a moment and rest, before he
could use his latchkey to admit himself. When he entered the
sitting-room, he found the table spread as usual. Harriet was sitting
with sewing upon her lap. She did not look at him.

He sat down, and closed his eyes. There seemed to be a ringing of great
bells about him,