in the way of justice succoring the injured. But--" again he gave
that slight shrug of the shoulders, indicative of doubt, if not
indifference.

Mrs. Daniels trembled, and took a step forward. I thought she was
going to speak, but instead of that she drew back again in her
strange hesitating way.

Mr. Gryce did not seem to notice.

"Perhaps sir," said he, "if you will step upstairs with me to the room
occupied by this girl, I may be able to show you certain evidences
which will convince you that our errand here is not one of
presumption."

"I am ready to concede that without troubling myself with proof,"
observed the master of the house with the faintest show of asperity.
"Yet if there is anything to see of a startling nature, perhaps I had
best yield to your wishes. Whereabouts in the house is this girl's
room, Mrs. Daniels?"

"It is--I gave her the third story back, Mr. Blake;" replied that
woman, nervously eyeing his face. "It was large and light for sewing,
and she was so nice--"

He impatiently waved his hand on which he had by this time fitted his
glove to a nicety, as if these details were an unnecessary bore to
him, and motioned her to show the way. Instantly a new feeling
appeared to seize her, that of alarm.