"Have you discharged anyone since--since--Mr. Stepaside went to
Manchester?"

"No," said Standring. "You see, there was no reason. Business has
gone on just the same as ever."

The girl looked eagerly down the list, and noted each name and the
wages paid, while Standring watched her suspiciously. He wondered what
this girl could mean by wanting to examine the wage-book.

"Do you keep on names after the people have ceased working for you?"

"Not after they've been discharged. There, you see, that man was
discharged early in December. His name was crossed out. It doesn't
appear the following week. On the other hand, if anyone is taken ill,
we keep their names on, although they may not work. There, you see,
Eliza Anne Bolshawe, she was taken ill at the beginning of December,
but we kept on her name; the second week in December, no wages; the
third week, no wages; the fourth week she came back again, and there's
the amount she earned put opposite her name."

"I see," said Mary.

At that moment someone came into the office. "You're wanted in the
mill, Enoch," said the visitor.

"Pray do not let me keep you, Mr. Standring," said Mary. "I'll do no
harm while you're away." And she gave him a smile which removed any
doubts which he might have had concerning leaving her alone.

Eagerly Mary went on examining the books, until presently her hands
began suddenly to tremble. It seemed as though the idea which had been
born in her mind were bearing fruit. Snatching a piece of paper from
the office desk, she began to write rapidly.

When Enoch Standring returned, Mary was still busily examining the
books, but the piece of paper on which she had made her notes was put
out of sight.

"Have you seen what you want, Miss Bolitho?" said Standring.

"Yes, I think so," said Mary, "and I must congratulate you on the way
these books are kept. The penmanship is perfect, and everything is
clear, and easy to understand. I am sure Mr. Stepaside will be pleased
with everything when he returns."

Standring looked at her sadly. He was one of those who believed that
Paul Stepaside would never be acquitted, and he wondered what the
future might bring forth.

When Mary returned to the house, she took the piece of paper from her
pocket and looked at the notes she had made.

"I wonder, I wonder!" she said. "At any rate, I'll go and see her.
Brunclough Lane, Brunclough Lane," she repeated to herself. "27
Brunclough Lan