as defiant. She had no enemy in the world like the man
who could accuse Thyrza of guilt. It was one thing to point out that
Thyrza was in danger of being columniated, another to believe that the
evil judgment was merited.

'I _don't_ think the worst of her, Lydia,' he replied, firmly. 'I think
it likely that she has been doing something very thoughtless, and I am
quite sure that that man Egremont has been doing something for which he
deserves to be thrashed. But no more than that. More than that I
_won't_ believe!'

'Thank you, Mr. Ackroyd! A minute ago I hated you, now I know that I
have always been right in thinking you had a good heart. Thyrza may
have been foolish in keeping things from me, but she's no more to blame
than that. You can believe me. I would say it, if it was my life or
death!'

He took her hand and pressed it.

'And you think Mr. Bower is telling everyone?' she asked, her voice
wonderfully changed, for all at once she became a woman, and felt her
need of a strong man's aid.

'I'm afraid so. When he'd done his tale to me last night, I told him
that if he hadn't been a man so much older than myself I'd have struck
him in face of all in the club. I'd perhaps better not have angered
him, but it wouldn't make much difference. He's got ill feeling against
Egremont, I believe.'

Lydia's eyes flashed when she heard of that speech to Bower.

'And you think he's doing this more to harm Mr. Egremont than Thyrza?'

'I do. He's a gossiping fool, but I don't believe he'd plot to ruin a
girl in this way. Still, I'm quite sure the story 'll have got about,
and it comes to the same thing.'

Both stood in thought. Lydia felt as if all the bright future were
blasted before her eyes. Thyrza loved Egremont. Egremont was the
falsest of friends to Gilbert, the most treacherous of men. Her darling
had been artfully drawn by him into this secret intercourse; and how
was it all to end?

'I must go home to Thyrza, Mr. Ackroyd. I don't know what to do, but it
will come to me when I see my sister.'

She reflected a moment, then added:

'She went to see Totty Nancarrow, at the same time when I came out.
Perhaps she'll be there still. If I don't find her at home, I must go
to the other house. Good-bye!'

'I do wish I could be some help to you, Lydia!' he said, holding her
hand and looking very kindly at her.

'You can't. Nobody can help. Whatever happens Thyrza and me will be
together, and I shall keep her from h