"Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't. Father has had so much worry that he is not always accountable for his actions. He may have gone out in a frenzy, and, finding the window open, he may have--oh!" The poor girl broke off, weeping. "What am I to do?"
"Ask your father to prove his innocence."
"I dare not, Clarice. What with his own troubles and the death of Frank, and this mysterious wickedness of which Frank has been guilty, poor father is nearly crazy. Did he know that he was accused of murder he would go out of his mind altogether."
"But if Sarah Dumps tells the police, he----"
"She will hold her tongue. I said that I would give up Ferdy. I wrote and told Ferdy that I could not marry him, and said that my father did not approve of the match."
"Ferdy said something about this," said Clarice. "Well, then, Prudence, you leave everything to me. I'll speak to Anthony. He is very clever and will be able to help me. Don't worry, and--hush! Your father."
Clarke entered the room with a wild look, hurriedly, and frowned when he saw the two girls together. "I thought you had gone, Clarice," he said, fretfully. "I wish you would go. Prudence has much to do."
"I am going," said Clarice, pressing the girl's arm, so as to make her humour the excited man. "I only waited to tell you, Mr. Clarke, that I have seen Mr. Barras, and have assumed the rights of your loan. You will have no further trouble about it."
"It is good of you," said Clarke, gloomily, "and a few days ago, I should have hailed your news with joy. But it is now too late. I am an outcast and accursed, and----"
"Father! Father!" said Prudence, placing her hand on his arm.