arm. But you've been a good friend
to me to-night, Mr. Ackroyd. I can't do more than say I'm grateful to
you. I shall be that, as long as I live.'

'Lydia--I don't want to pry into anything between you and your sister,
but if I _can_ do anything to be of use to her--or to you--you'll tell
me? You could easily send a message to me.'

'Thank you. I _will_ ask you if there is anything. Let me go home
alone, Mr. Ackroyd.'

She came to the house, and saw that there was no light in the window of
their room. Still, Thyrza might be sitting there. She ran upstairs. The
room was vacant.

Then she hurried to Newport Street. Mrs. Ladds told her that Totty had
not come in yet, and that Thyrza had been and was gone away again. She
turned on her steps slowly, and after a short uncertainty went home
again, in the hope that Thyrza might have returned. As she entered,
Gilbert met her in the passage.

'Is Thyrza come back?' she asked.

'No, she isn't in the house. Where did she go to?'

'She went just to see Totty Nancarrow.' Nothing was to be gained by
concealing this now. 'I've been there, but she's gone away. I dare say
she'll be back in a few minutes.'

Lydia went upstairs, not feeling able to talk. Gilbert, who since
Monday had fallen into ever deeper trouble, left the house and walked
towards Newport Street, hoping to find Thyrza. It was thus that he came
to be met by Egremont. He was back in half an hour. Lydia came down
when she heard him enter.

'Lydia,' he said, gravely, 'you shouldn't have allowed her to go out.
She isn't in a fit state to leave the house.'

'It was wrong, I know,' she said, standing just inside the door of the
parlour.

Gilbert mentioned that he had seen Egremont. Before she could check
herself, Lydia exclaimed:

'Where?'

He looked at her in surprise. She turned very pale. Mrs. Grail was also
gazing at her.

'It was at the end of Newport Street,' Gilbert replied. 'Why are you so
anxious to know where?'

'I'm sure I don't know. I'm worrying so about that child. I spoke
without thinking at all.'

Half an hour more passed, then, as all sat silently together, they
heard the front door opening. Lydia started up.

'Don't move, Gilbert! Let me go up with her. She'll be afraid of being
scolded.'

She went out into the passage. The little lamp hung against the wall as
usual, and when by its light she saw Thyrza, she was made motionless by
alarm. Not only was the girl's face scarcely recognisa