then he paused. He did not
escape even then. After a while the door was opened, and those who were
passing might have seen Captain Boodle, slowly and with hesitating
steps, enter the narrow passage before the lady. Then Sophie followed,
and closed the door behind her. As far as this story goes, what took
place at that interview can not be known. Let us bid farewell to
Doodles, and wish him a happy escape.

"How did you come to know that woman?" said Hugh to his brother, as soon
as Archie was in the dining-room.

"She was a friend of Julia's," said Archie.

"You haven't given her money?" Hugh asked.

"Oh dear, no," said Archie.

Immediately after that they got into their cab, the things were pitched
on the top, and, in a while, we may bid adieu to them also.

Chapter XLVI

Showing How Mrs. Burton Fought Her Battle

"Florence, I have been to Bolton Street, and I have seen Lady Ongar."
Those were the first words which Cecilia Burton spoke to her
sister-in-law, when she found Florence in the drawing-room on her return
from the visit which she had made to the countess. Florence had still
before her the desk on which she had been writing; and the letter in its
envelope, addressed to Mrs. Clavering, but as yet unclosed, was lying
beneath her blotting-paper. Florence, who had never dreamed of such an
undertaking on Cecilia's part, was astounded at the tidings which she
heard. Of course her first effort was made to learn from her sister's
tone and countenance what had been the result of this interview; but she
could learn nothing from either. There was no radiance as of joy in Mrs.
Burton's face, nor was there written there anything of despair. Her
voice was serious and almost solemn, and her manner was very grave, but
that was all. "You have seen her?" said Florence, rising up from her
chair.

"Yes, dear, I may have done wrong. Theodore, I know, will say so. But I
thought it best to try to learn the truth before you wrote to Mrs.
Clavering."

"And what is the truth? But perhaps you have not learned it."

"I think I have learned all that she could tell me. She has been very
frank."

"Well, what is the truth? Do not suppose, dearest, that I can not bear
it. I hope for nothing now. I only want to have this settled, that I may
be at rest."

Upon this Mrs. Burton took the suffering girl in her arms and caressed
her tenderly. "My love," said she, "it is not easy for us to be at rest.
You can not be at res