[CHAPTER XV.]
Friends in Council.
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.
"I recognized Robert Grantham the moment I saw him," he said, "thanks to his wearing no hair on his face; but it bears the marks of deep suffering."