ly's good looks could scarcely be said to have come back to her, for
she was still thin and haggard, with the weary look of one to whom life
has brought crushing sorrow and sickness of heart. But her eyes were
pretty, and her face, in spite of its worn expression, was interesting
and attractive. Lettice was hardly surprised, although a little
startled, to find her talking one day in a somewhat confidential manner
to a man of highly respectable appearance who was walking across the
Common by her side as she came home one day from a shopping expedition.
It was, perhaps, natural that Milly should have acquaintances. But
Lettice felt a sudden pang of anxiety on the girl's account. She did not
know whether she had been seen, and whether it was her duty to speak to
her maid about it; but her hesitation was ended by Milly herself, who
came to her room that night, and asked to speak with her.

"Well, Milly?"

"I saw you to-day, Miss Lettice, when I was out," said Milly, coloring
with the effort of speech.

"Did you? Yes? You were with a friend--I suppose?"

"I wanted to tell you about him," said Milly, nervously. "It's not a
friend of mine, it was a messenger--a messenger from _him_."

Lettice sat speechless.

"He does not know what has become of me; and he set this man--his
clerk--to find out. He wants to send me some money--not to see me again.
He was afraid that I might be--in want."

"And what have you done, Milly?"

"I said I would not take a penny. And I asked the clerk--Mr. Johnson,
they call him--not to say that he had seen me. I didn't tell him where I
lived."

"Did he say that he would not tell his master?"

"Yes, he promised. I think he will keep his word. He seemed--kind--sorry
for me, or something."

"You were quite right, Milly. And I would not speak to the man again if
I were you. He may not be so kind and friendly as he seems. I am glad
you have told me."

"I couldn't rest till I had spoken. I was afraid you might think harm of
me," said the girl, flushing scarlet again, and twisting the corner of
her apron.

"I will not think harm of you if you always tell me about your
acquaintances as you have done to-day," said Lettice with a smile.
"Don't be afraid, Milly. And--if you will trust to me--you need not be
anxious about the future, or about the child. I would rather that you
did not take money from anyone but myself for your needs and hers. I
have plenty for you both."

Milly could not speak f