n in some of those dreadful haunts, and they have
upset you. May I get you something?'

'Thank you, I am quite well.' Rowland's lip quivered still more and he
grew still less calm, as he again met Miss Gwynne's eye fixed on him
with evident interest.

'I am sure you are ill; you must allow me the privilege of a
parishioner, if not of an old friend, and let me ask what is the
matter?'

Her manner was so kind, that Rowland's reserve was for a moment
overcome.

'Thank you, Miss Gwynne--my poor sister.'

'Yes, what of her? I assure you I am truly interested for her; poor
Netta!'

'I fear she is in serious trouble, I scarcely know what myself as yet;
but she, her husband and child have left the house, and Howel's
creditors have taken possession of all his effects. No one knows where
they are gone, or what is to become of them.'

Rowland had not the courage to tell Miss Gwynne that the police were
searching for Howel right and left upon a charge of forgery.

'Poor Netta! I am very, very sorry. What can have reduced him to this?'

'Gaming, horse-racing, speculating! These will waste the largest fortune
and ruin the fairest hopes. But he deserves it all, only my poor sister
is the victim, and the respectability of an honest name is impeached.'

'Oh no--poor Netta's hasty marriage and wilful temper were the causes of
her trouble, it can have nothing to do with your family; besides, many
people of high family and position are obliged to fly for debt.'

'That is dishonour enough, Miss Gwynne, but this--this is worse; Howel
is suspected of--of forgery.'

Rowland gave Miss Gwynne one quick, searching glance as he said that
word, and then rose to go. She rose, too, but putting out her hands, and
looking him full in the face, kindly and gently, she said,--

'Mr. Prothero, I am very sorry for you; for Netta; for all. But if this
is true, the sin and the shame will rest with him who caused them--it
cannot fall on you or yours.'

Rowland shook the offered hand, and then left the room.

In the hall he met Gladys, who had just come in from the school. Frisk
was barking and jumping about her with great animation, not having
grown, as Freda foretold, a useless and fat London dog. When Rowland
appeared, he transferred his attentions to him, and looked much
disappointed at receiving none in return.

Rowland shook hands with Gladys, and asked her to come with him into Mr
Jones' little study, where he told her, more clearly t