e expense; its a terrible responsibility,
owin' to the hepiplectic ailment, mem, as of course you understand."

"Can't she get into any hospital!"

"She only just came out, mem, not two weeks ago. They couldn't do no
more for the pore creature, and so she had to go. An' she 'asn't not a
friend in the world, 'ceptin' Mrs. Sprowl, as is no less than a mother
to her."

"Do you know her name?"

"Mrs. Casty, mem. It's a Irish name, I b'lieve, an' I can't say as I'm
partial to the Irish, but--"

"Very well," Ida broke in hastily. "I'll see if I can do anything."

Paying no attention to the blessings showered upon her by the counsel
in this case, blessings to which she was accustomed, and of which she
well understood the value, Ida went out into the Lane, and walked away
quickly. She did not pause at the Clock House, but walked as far as a
quiet street some little distance off, and then paced the pavement for
a while, in thought. Who this "Mrs. Casty" was she could have little
doubt. The calumnies against her husband were just such as Harriet
Casti would be likely to circulate.

For a moment it had seemed possible to go to the public-house and make
personal inquiries, but reflection showed her that this would be a
needless imprudence, even had she been able to overcome herself
sufficiently for such an interview. She went home instead, and at once
despatched Miss Hurst to the Clock House to discover whether it was
indeed Harriet Casti who lay there, and, if so, what her real condition
was. That lady returned with evidence establishing the sick woman's
identity. Harriet, she reported, was indeed in a sad state, clearly
incapable of supporting herself by any kind of work. Her husband--Miss
Hurst was told--had deserted her, leaving her entirely without means,
and now, but for Mrs. Sprowl's charity, she would have been in the
workhouse. This story sounded very strangely to Ida. It might mean that
Julian was dead. She wrote a few lines to Waymark, at the old address,
and had a speedy reply. Yes, Julian Casti was dead, but the grave had
not yet closed over him. Harriet had been in receipt of money, and need
have wanted for nothing; but _now_ she must expect no more.

The result of it all was that, in the course of a week, Harriet was
informed by Miss Hurst that a place was open to her in a hospital near
London, where she could remain as long as her ailments rendered it
necessary; the expense would be provided for by a lady w