"You won't let the police know about father's guilt?"
"No, because I don't believe that he is guilty. Why, the jury brought in a verdict against Osip. The evidence was perfectly plain. Go on, tell me all you know."
Prudence drew her chair close to that of her visitor's, and placed her lips to Clarice's ear. "Father owed that money, as you know," she explained, hurriedly; "and Mr. Barras wrote, saying that, unless the interest was paid immediately after New Year, father would be sold up. He was nearly frenzied, as he could not have stopped in the parish if such a sale had taken place, and we are so poor that we had nowhere to go to. Then, as father said, the Bishop might have interfered."
"Private matters of this sort have nothing to do with the Bishop."
"Father thought otherwise, and went about the house moaning that he was in disgrace, and did not know what to do. Then you came on the day Ferdy and I became engaged. Father was more cheerful after you had gone, both on account of my engagement, and from something which you said to him."
"I said that I would speak to Uncle Henry and settle the loan," said Clarice, rapidly; "go on, dear, I want to know all before your father returns."
"Afterwards father fell into low spirits again, and wanted to see Mr. Horran for himself. He tried to, but was refused admittance."
"I know," nodded Clarice. "Dr. Jerce thought that such a visit would irritate Uncle Henry. Now that I know Mr. Barras charged ten per cent., and that Uncle Henry, who respected your father, was ignorant of such extortion, I quite understand why Dr. Jerce did not want Uncle Henry to be upset. He was quite right. But then, Prudence, your father did see my guardian."
"Yes. He went in by the open French window, and----"
"I remember what he said at the inquest," interrupted Clarice, with a musing air. "Ah!" She started as the memory came back to her; "he stated that Uncle Henry denied giving Mr. Barras permission to lend the money."