"Yes, sir, as early as you like. I get up at six. You speak fair, and you've been kind to Prue. God bless you for your goodness! I shall have to go to the hospital in the morning, but I'll wait at home till ten for you."
"Very well. Meanwhile, this may be of service to you."
He gave her two shillings, and wishing her goodnight, the friends took their departure.
"What does all this mean, Rathbeal?" asked Robert Grantham. "I am wrapt in mystery."
"Then believe that I have my reasons for keeping silence to-night. Before long the mystery shall be explained to you. I am working for your happiness, Robert."
"For my happiness?" echoed Grantham, with a groan.
"You are not a skeptic? You believe in eternal mercy and justice?"
"Hold fast to that belief. The clouds are breaking, and I see a light shining on your life. Do you remember poor Billy's last prayer?' O Lord God, give Mr. Gran all he wants, and a bit over!' The Lord of the Universe heard that prayer. Ask me no questions, but before you go to bed to-night pray with a thankful heart; for the age of miracles is not yet over, Robert, my friend."
Rathbeal presented himself at Mrs. Flower's room as the clock struck nine. In anticipation of his visit, the woman had "tidied" up the apartment, and Little Prue looked quite neat, with her hands and face washed, and her hair properly combed and brushed. Rathbeal's two shillings had enabled them to have a sufficient breakfast, and the child, naturally shy, raised her eyes gratefully to her benefactor.
"Well, little one," he said, pinching her cheek, "do you feel better this morning?"
"Oh, ever so much, sir!" replied Little Prue.
He looked round for Martha, and Mrs. Flower told him sorrowfully that her sister had not come back.
"I shall be worried out of my life till I see her, sir," she said.
"We will try and find her for you," he said. "And now tell me everything you know concerning her."
She related all that she had learned from Martha; and when she had done he plied her with questions, which she answered freely. Having obtained all the information it was in her power to give him, and leaving his address with her, he rode to Craven Street, his appointment with John Dixon having been made for an early hour. He was received with cordiality all John Dixon's suspicions being now quite dispelled.