"I shouldn't tork loud," said the small servant, pointing to the key-hole; "her ear's allays there."
A shrill voice through the key-hole replied that this was untrue, and bestowed several unflattering epithets on Tilly. Afterwards the retreating footsteps of Mrs. Betts were heard, and Tilly giggled over her success in detecting the old lady. But Eustace was too worried to take any interest in this comedy. He stationed Tilly near the door that she might give notice if Mrs. Betts returned, and then addressed himself to his old housekeeper.
"Well, Miss Cork, and what have you to say?"
"I beg your pardon, I am not Miss Cork. As I have found my child, I can take my real name, which is Selina Burl--Mrs. Burl. I now go out charing, and never will I be parted from my child again!"
"You need not be, so far as I am concerned. But now explain. Why did you leave me without notice?"
"I saw a picture of the black woman who stole my child."
"You mean Balkis?"
"Yes. I mean the woman who keeps an opium shop at the Docks."
"Did she steal your child?" asked Eustace, wondering.
"Years ago," sighed Mrs. Burl, while Tilly looked on intelligently.