been so
long in coming to a definite and final resolution to treat this
friendless discharged prisoner as a hero and a king, that it was almost
too late to make arrangements. Why had she not done yesterday something
of what she had left to be done to-day? She scarcely realized to herself
that her mind was only just made up. That facile belief in the report of
Alan's death was only the outcome of her distress and perplexity--of the
failure of her courage on the threshold of decision and action.

With a cold shudder she thought of the dust which she had unwittingly
thrown in Cora's eyes. She had told her that her husband was dead, and
the tale had been readily believed, for the very opposite reason to that
which had prevailed with herself. She had been convinced by her
fears--Cora by her hopes and greed. And now she could not undeceive the
woman, for she did not know where to find her. Would she if she could?
Perhaps it was the the best thing which could have happened; for it
would be terrible if Alan were to step out of his prison back into the
hell on earth which that woman had created for him.

Well, now, at any rate, she must devote herself to the task which she
had undertaken. She felt as a sister might feel who had been suddenly
commissioned to provide a home within twenty-four hours for an invalided
traveler; and she set about the work with enthusiasm.

She began by taking Milly in some measure into her confidence, and
giving her a number of directions as to what she was to do in the course
of the day. Then she hired a cab, and went to a house-agent whose name
she remembered. That seemed the quickest way of getting what she
wanted--a small furnished house, cheerful and yet retired, which she
could take at any rate for a month, and for longer if she needed it. The
agent by good chance had the very thing she asked for. He turned over
the leaves of his register, and presently came upon a desirable bijou
residence, plainly but adequately furnished, containing three reception
rooms and five bedrooms, conservatory, with large and well-stocked
garden, lawn and shrubbery, coach-house and stable. Vacant for three
months; very moderate terms to a suitable tenant. That sounded well.
The "very moderate terms" came to something more than Lettice wanted to
give; but she had a hundred pounds in her pocket, and a spirit which
disdained to grudge in such a service.

So, having journeyed to Chiswick, and found Bute Lodge to be, i