Mr. G. 'Pardon me, Mrs. Poulter, it is my duty to relieve you of
that inquiry. Mrs. Poulter cannot be explicit. Do you surmise that
Helen is compelled to conceal?--you will comprehend me, I am sure.
I need not add anything more.'

The poor landlady, habitually crushed by the anticipation of
quarter-day into fear of contradiction or offence, flamed up with
sudden passion. 'Sir,' she cried, 'Helen is my friend, my dearest
friend. How dare you!--you a clergyman! I let you and Mrs. Poulter
know that she is as pure and good as you are--yes, and a thousand
times better than you are with your hateful insinuations. I shalt
be thankful to see the last of you!' and she flung herself out of
the room.

'What do you think of that?' said Mrs. Poulter. 'It is beyond
comment. We cannot remain another night.' Mr. Goacher and Miss
Taggart agreed, and Miss Taggart was commissioned at once to engage
rooms. When she had gone Mr. Goacher was compelled to explain that
he was in a difficulty.

'Of course, my dear Mrs. Poulter, after this open insult I must go
at once, but unhappily I am rather behind-hand in my payments to
Miss Toller. Remittances I expected have been delayed.'

'How much do you owe her?'

'I believe it is now about fifteen pounds. Her disgraceful conduct
discharges us from any liability beyond to-day. Might I beg the
loan of twenty pounds from you?--say for a fortnight. It is a