“Because he wished to see the place where he was accustomed to live, and why should I fret him—the dear lamb?”
“Where have you taken him? You know I gave up my rooms in Brand’s Buildings.”
“I ain’t gone back there. I has took a nice lodging for myself and the boy at 30 Hester Street, just over the way.”
“You ought not to have done it, mother.”
“The child was restless,” continued the old woman. “He’s a bonny boy, and I ain’t got his secret out of him, but I very near have. I thought it best to come and tell you, and you had better come round and have a look at him in the morning.”
“I’ll come now,” said Clara. “You wait a minute. I must look into this matter directly.”
She went to her wardrobe, opened it, and took out an old bonnet which she had not worn since her marriage, and also a long cloak.
“Can’t you wait till the morning?” said the mother.
“No; I have other things to attend to then. I’ll come with you now.”
The old woman made no further objection. Clara opened the door of her bedroom and, accompanied by Mrs. Ives, went down-stairs. The servants had gone to bed, for the hour was nearly midnight. Mrs. Tarbot took a latch-key from a hook in the hall, and slipped it into her pocket; then she opened the door and went out.