"Janet, will you tell me who the man is you ran away with? I will not mention it to anyone if you desire me not to do so. If I know, I may be better able to help you," said Ulick.
"I cannot tell you; it is impossible," she replied. "Please do not ask me?"
"It must have been someone in the neighbourhood, but I cannot think who would do such a cowardly action," he said.
This was dangerous ground, and Janet said quickly—
"You can tell my father you have seen me, that I am well, and will come to him as soon as I possibly can."
"That is not sufficient. It is my duty to let him know where you are."
"If you do I must leave here, and I am very comfortable. Mrs. Hoffman is kind to me, and has always been so. Please allow matters to remain as they are."
Ulick looked at her, and thought his friend was right in describing Janet as a pretty woman. She evidently lived a regular life, and he was glad to see a healthy glow on her cheeks. Whatever her faults in the past, she was living a decent, quiet life now, of that he felt certain. It would be a great consolation to Eli to know this.
"If you feel compelled to remain hidden here for a time," he said at last, "I will keep your secret, but you must allow me to write to your father and tell him you are well and living a respectable life. That will ease his mind, and he will wait for your return more patiently. It is right he should know, for he has suffered much on your account."
She thanked him, and gave the permission he required, again entreating him not to mention her address.