"Has he not possibly some influence with the gentleman who conducts the paper?" asked Selina.
"Ah, my dear, that was tried before in the Cathcart case, and was found useless! So there be but the thinnest veil over the names these papers may publish what they please."
Miss Boyle rose and wiped her eyes.
"I am ashamed to disturb you with my troubles," she murmured; "but the mere speaking of them has been a comfort."
"Do not thank me yet," said Susannah with a quick flush, "for though all I have and am is at your service, I am very helpless."
"But I have the greatest trust in you and him, and—and I must go before the candles come in." She caught Susannah by the shoulders and kissed her impulsively. "Oh, I shall cry again if I stay. I am a weak fool," she said in a breaking voice, "but—ah, well, good-bye!"
"Good-bye, dear," answered Miss Chressham. "I shall hope to send to you in the morning."
Miss Boyle caught up the blue parasol.
"I do not know what I am asking of you," she said in an agitated tone, "but I trust you, and if by any means you can persuade him——"
"What of Sir Francis?" asked Susannah suddenly.