"It is long since I have been well," answered the invalid, "but I have been able to work till two weeks since. For two weeks I have earned nothing, and, but for the neighbors, I and my two poor children would have starved."
"Is your husband dead?"
"I do not know. He left me three years ago, and I have never seen him since."
"Did he desert you?" asked Frank, indignantly. "Did he leave you to shift for yourself?"
"He promised to come back, but he has never come," said the woman, sighing.
"Your little girl tells me your name is Craven."
"Yes, sir. That is my husband's name."
"I know a gentleman by that name."
"Where?" asked the invalid, eagerly.