The wetting and exposure to cold that eventful night in Hyde Park had done their work, and a fatal disease had already seized the stalwart burglar in its grip.
The symptoms of galloping consumption had shown themselves to the experienced eye of Dr. Birnie.
CHAPTER LIX.
A VISITOR FOR RUTH.
On one of the first days of spring Gertie Heckett stood at the lodge-gates, looking along the road as though she expected some one.
Ruth had driven her husband out in the pony-carriage for the first time since his illness. Until to-day he had not gone beyond the park-gates.
While Gertie was looking for the carriage, a young woman, deeply veiled, came by, and, seeing Gertie, stopped.
‘Is Mrs. Heritage at home, do you know, miss?’ said the woman, in a nice soft voice that took Gertie’s fancy directly.
‘No, she’s not,’ answered Gertie. ‘Do you want to see her?’
‘Yes. I’ve come from London on purpose.’
Gertie thought at first it must be some one in distress who had been recommended to come to them, for the young woman, though neat, didn’t look very well off, so she asked if she could do anything for her.