it is in an old box of hers upstairs. If there is a deed, could not
the man be forced to pay, Mr. Preston?"

"We could go to law with him, certainly; but the difficulty of a
lawsuit between a Frenchman and an English court would be immense;
the issue would be doubtful, and the sum not worth the risk. The man
owes four fifties, that is two hundred pounds; the whole of that sum
would be expended on the lawsuit. No; I fear we shall gain nothing by
that plan."

"Well, of course I am sorry for the children," said Lydia Purcell,
"but it is nothing to me. I must take steps to get them into the
workhouse at once; as it is, I have been at considerable loss by them."

"Mrs. Purcell, believe me, that loss you will never feel; it will be
something to your credit at the right side of the balance some day.
And now tell me how much the support of the little ones costs you
here."

Lydia considered, resting her chin thoughtfully on her hand.

"They have the run of the place," she said. "In a big place like
this 'tis impossible, however careful you may be, not to have odds
and ends and a little waste; the children eat up the odds and ends.
Yes; I suppose they could be kept here for five shillings a week each."

"That is half a sovereign between them. Mrs. Purcell, you are sure
to remain at Warren's Grove for another month; while you are here I
will be answerable for the children; I will allow them five shillings
a week each--you understand?"