Suddenly recalling to mind Mr. Lambert's promise to aid her in her works of charity, she sent James to his house to request him to call at his earliest convenience.
When he came, which was almost immediately she was struck with a change in his appearance; and inquired, anxiously,—
"Are you ill, sir?"
"What makes you ask that? I'm in rollicking health and spirits."
She doubted it, however, for even while talking with her he seemed to fall into fits of revery.
"What a fool she was to marry so young!' he said, with a sneer; "but, as you say, that can't be helped now. My advice is, let him go to—anywhere that will keep him out of her way. But what is to be done with the child?"
"I think Hepsey means to take her," replied Marion, showing all her dimples. "I hope she can be got off without going to court."
"Hepsey, hem! Well, never fear. I'll see the judge and settle that. If he won't believe my word, I'll make him go to the stable, mount the ladder, and see for himself."
He leaned back in his chair, laughing heartily but Marion noticed that there was no ring of mirth in his laugh.
Suddenly she said, "O Mr. Lambert! Are you acquainted with Mr. Regy? I hear of him everywhere among the poor, and I long to see him."