you left--since I saw you
last. Are you living here?" he continued, after some hesitation. "I
suppose you are with one of the religious houses?"

The woman shook her head wearily. "No," said she; "I am by myself. I
am alone in the world. I am now simply 'Mrs. Hart.' I have come here
on important business. It is more than important; it is a matter of
life and death."

"Mrs. Hart! Is that the name that you have?" asked Obed.

"That is my name," said Mrs. Hart, wearily. "It has been my name for
many years, and has done me good service."

Obed said nothing, but regarded her for a long time in silence,
wondering all the while at the mysterious fate of this unhappy woman.

At last he spoke.

"Have you been here long?" he asked. "I have been here for some
weeks, but I have never seen you."

"Nor have I seen you," said Mrs. Hart. "I have been here long, but I
have seen no one whom I know. I am alone."

"And are you able to go alone about this business of which you
speak--this business 'of life and death?' Have you any help? Is it a
thing which you could commit to the police?"

"No," said Mrs. Hart. "I came here in search of--of a friend; but I
have not been able to find him."

"Are you alone, then?" asked Obed, in profound sympathy, while his
face and his voice still showed the deep feeling of his heart. "Have
you no one at all to help you? Is this a thing which you must do by
yourself? Could not another other assist you? Would it be possible
for you to let me help you in this? I can do much if you will allow
me--if you will again put confidence in an old friend."

[Illustration: "IS THIS INDEED YOU--AND HERE TOO?"]

Mrs. Hart looked at him earnestly, and tears started to her eyes.

"Oh, my friend," she murmured, "I believe that God has sent you to
me. I see in your face and I hear in your voice that you still can
feel for me. God bless you! my noble, my only friend! Yes, you can
help me. There is no secret of mine which I need hide from you. I
will tell you all--when I get stronger--and you shall help me. But I
am very weak now," she said, wearily.

Obed looked away, and for a time said not one word. But that strong
frame, which not long before had dared the shots of a desperate
enemy, now trembled violently at the tears of an old woman. With a
powerful effort he gulped down his emotion.

"Where are you living?" he asked, in a voice which had changed to one
of strange sweetness and tenderness. "You are