absolutely refused to see me, and talks only about you and Mrs.
Ellsworthy. I don't know what she can want with either of you, but it
is quite evident that she thinks you can help her and save her from
some great trouble. Poppy said she wanted Mrs. Ellsworthy to give her
money; I suppose to replace what she lost of mine. Well, Mrs.
Ellsworthy is not here; so can you come to see her to-night?"

"I will come at once, Miss Mainwaring," answered Noel. "If we walk
down this street we shall pass the post-office, and I can send a
telegram to Mrs. Ellsworthy and also to my servant, Lawson. I must try
and get into town some time to-morrow, however, for I have got to
attend the trial of no less a person than your old landlord, Dove. He
was apprehended for stealing a bank-note and a ring from my
mantle-piece."

"I never liked that man," said Primrose; "indeed, I never thought
either of the Doves quite honest. Mrs. Dove made a rule of keeping
back a little of the money she borrowed from me on all occasions."

Then Primrose and Noel walked as quickly as they could down the
village street. Noel despatched his necessary telegram, and in a short
time they both found themselves in Hannah's humble cottage.

"She is asleep," said Hannah, as she came out to meet them. "She is
moaning in her sleep, and she gives sighs enough to break your heart.
You had better, both of you, stay in my little sitting-room until she
awakes."

"If you will allow me," said Noel, "I will go and sit beside her bed;
she is accustomed to me. I will promise to be very careful in my