"We learned this dreadful news last night in the evening paper. We came
away at four o'clock this morning--we live in Durham, Mr. Viner,--and we
have been to Mr. Felpham's office this afternoon. He told us how kind you
had been in engaging his services for our unfortunate brother, and we
came to thank you. But oh, do you think there is any chance for him?"

"Every chance!" declared Viner, pretending more conviction than he felt.
"Don't let yourselves be cast down. We'll move heaven and earth to prove
that he's wrongly accused. I gather--if you don't mind my asking--that
your brother has been out of touch with you for some time?"

The two sisters exchanged mournful glances.

"We had not heard anything of Langton for some years," replied the
elder. "He is much--much younger than ourselves, and perhaps we are too
staid and old-fashioned for him. But if we had known that he was in
want! Oh, dear me, we are not at all well-to-do, Mr. Viner, but we would
have sacrificed anything. Mr. Felpham says that we shall be allowed to
visit him--he is going to arrange for us to do so. And of course we must
remain in London until this terrible business is over--we came prepared
for that."

"Prepared for that!" repeated the other sister, who seemed to be a
fainter replica of the elder. "Yes, prepared, of course, Mr. Viner."

"Now that we have found Langton, though in such painful circumstances,"
said the first speaker, "we must stand by him. We must find some quiet
lodging, and settle down to help. We cannot let all the burden fall on
you, Mr. Viner."