"Yes; I cannot bear not to try."
So, when they arrived at Hyde Park, Christina left them to enjoy themselves while she went to pay her visit in one of the streets near.
At the end of nearly an hour she came towards them, and asking Arthur to call a cab, she put them in it, promising to be home about six o'clock.
She returned at the appointed time, very tired; but after tea as they all sat together, Dr. Arundel having gone to his study, Christina said she would begin her story.
"I rang at the bell," she said, "and was asked up by an untidy servant to a shabby drawing room. I should however say that I knew she was in town on business, from her husband, who writes to me occasionally.
"Here's a lady, 'm,' said the untidy servant, announcing me without any warning.
"A person rose to greet me who had once been very pretty, and bowing, asked if I wished to speak to her on business.
"I said that I had come to see her, if she would allow me.
"She looked extremely astonished; and when I sat down by her and took her hand, and told her I knew she was in trouble, she was rather angry.
"But I would not be put off; and I explained to her that I knew of her sad history, and felt sure she desired to lead a new and better life.