Mary began to get excited. Once in Paul's house she would be able to examine everything, and would perhaps discover things that would lead the woman by her side to make her confession. She felt sure that she was on the track of discovery, felt convinced that before long the truth would come to light.
When they arrived at the house Mary found the door standing open, and a motherly-looking woman waiting to receive them.
"I've done as yo' told me, Mrs. Stepaside," said Mrs. Bradshaw the woman. "There's a fire in the kitchen range, and another in the study, and everything is clean and nice."
"Mrs. Stepaside is not very well," said Mary quietly. "I've come with her from Manchester. But she will be all right with me."
"And who might yo' be?" asked Mrs. Bradshaw suspiciously.
"I'm Mrs. Stepaside's friend," she replied. "Will you lead the way to the room where the fire is?"
A few minutes later they were in the house alone. Mrs. Bradshaw had brought a cup of tea, and then, saying she'd be back again presently, had left them.
"Somehow I don't feel a bit lonely now you're here. Why is it, I wonder?" and the older woman looked into Mary's face curiously.
"I'm glad you're not lonely," said Mary. "Are you well enough to talk?"
"Ay, I'm feeling ever so much better. I wonder why it is?"