“Yes, sir; worse luck.”
“She has lost friends or—fortune?” continued Berners delicately investigating the case, while Sybil looked and listened with the deepest interest.
“Both, sir! Both, sir! All, sir! Everything, sir! It is really a case of atrocious villainy, sir! And I may say, a case of extreme difficulty as well! A case in which I need counsel myself, sir,” said the landlord, with every appearance of being as willing to give information as to take advice.
CHAPTER V.
THE LANDLORD’S STORY.
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“What wit so sharp is found in youth or age That can distinguish truth from treachery? Falsehood puts on the face of simple truth, And masks i’ th’ habit of plain honesty, When she in heart intends most villany.” |
“Sit down, Mr. Judson; sit down, and tell us all about this matter; and if we can aid either you or your distressed lodger in any way, we shall be glad to do so,” said Mr. Berners, earnestly.
“Yes, indeed,” added Sybil, throwing herself down in her easy-chair, with a deep breath of relief and anticipation.