Jack began at the beginning, and described the appearance of Mrs. Hardwick; how she had been permitted to carry Ida away under false representations, and the manner in which he had tracked her to Philadelphia. He spoke finally of her arrest, and her obstinate refusal to impart any information as to Ida's whereabouts.
Mrs. Clifton listened attentively and anxiously. There were more difficulties in the way than she had supposed.
“Do you think of any plan, Jack?” she asked, at length.
“Yes, madam,” said our hero. “The man who painted the picture of Ida may know where she is to be found.”
“You are right,” said the lady. “I should have thought of it before. I will order the carriage again instantly, and we will at once go back to the print-store.”
An hour later, Henry Bowen was surprised by the visit of an elegant lady to his studio, accompanied by a young man of eighteen.
“I think you are the artist who designed 'The Flower-Girl,'” said Mrs. Clifton.
“I am, madam.”
“It was taken from life?”
“You are right.”