'Would you like your sister to come, when you are in the other house?'
Thyrza shook her head. She would have spoken, but instead sobbed.
'But she must be in dreadful trouble, Thyrza.'
'Will you write to her, please, Mrs. Ormonde? Don't tell her where I am, but say that I am well again. I can't see her yet—not till I have begun to work again. Do you think I can soon go and find work?'
'Do you wish, then, to live by yourself?' Mrs. Ormonde asked, hoping that the conversation might lead Thyrza to reveal her story.
'Yes, I must live by myself. I mustn't see any one for a long time. I can earn as much as I need. If I can't find anything else, Mrs. Gandle will let me stay with her.'
There was silence. Then she turned her face to Mrs. Ormonde, and, with drooping eyelids, asked in a low voice:
'Do you know why I left home, Mrs. Ormonde?'
'No, I don't, Thyrza,' the other replied gently. 'I have not seen any of your friends. I think very likely you are the only one that could tell me the truth.'
'Lyddy knows,' was spoken presently, after the shedding of a few quiet tears. 'I left a letter for her. Besides, she knew before—knew that—'