er this
promise, you will not conceal anything from me."

"Indeed I will not, madam," replied Mary, "for I love him as much as I
can love." Mary then commenced by stating that she was living at
Gravesend when she first met with Joey. There was a little hesitation
at the commencement of her narrative, which Mrs Austin pretended not to
observe; she then continued, winding up with the information which she
had obtained from Furness, the marine, their escape, and her admission
into Mrs Austin's family.

"And it was Joseph Rushbrook that came with you to this house?"

"Yes, madam," replied Mary; "but one of the men was quite rude to me,
and Joey took it up. Mr Austin, hearing a noise, sent down to inquire
the cause; the servants threw all the blame upon Joey, and he was
ordered out of the house immediately. He refused even to come back to
the Hall, after the treatment he had received, for a long while; but it
was he who was in the parlour when you opened the door, if you
recollect, a few weeks ago."

Mrs Austin clasped her hands, and then pressed them to her forehead;
after a while she said--

"And what has he been doing since he came here?"

Mary then informed her mistress of all she knew of Joey's subsequent
career.

"Well, Mary," said Mrs Austin, "you must go to him directly. You will
want money; but, Mary, promise me that you will not say a word to him
about what has passed between us,--that is, for the present; by-and-bye
I may trust you more."

"You may trust me, madam," replied Mary, looking her mistress in the
face; "but it is too late for me to go this afternoon; I will, if you
please, now wait till to-morrow morning."

"Do so, Mary; I am glad that you do not go to-night, for I wish you to
stay with me; I have many questions to ask of you. At present I wish to
be alone, my good girl. Tell Mr Austin that I am very unwell, and do
not dine below."

"Shall I bring your dinner up here, madam?" asked Mary.

"Yes, you may _bring_ it, Mary," replied Mrs Austin, with a faint
smile.

Never did two people leave one another both so much wishing to be alone
as Mary and Mrs Austin. The former quitted the room, and, having first
executed her commission, returned to her own apartment, that she might
reflect without being disturbed. What could be the reason of Mrs
Austin's behaviour? What could she know of Joey Rushbrook? and why so
interested and moved? She had heard among the servants that Mr and
Mrs Au