‘Just so. It is important that you should not alarm her; it is equally important that she should not be lost sight of, if what I suspect is possible.’

‘But can you not explain?’

‘Do not ask me to-night. As soon as I can I will write—or come to you. Pray trust me in this matter; it is a sort of miracle, not quite comprehended even by myself.’

‘As you please,’ returned Sister Ursula, smiling, ‘since you are determined to be inscrutable.’


CHAPTER XLV.—AN OLD PICTURE.

And now before I go,’ said Sutherland, changing his manner, ‘I have something for you: I think it will be a surprise. Look there!’

So speaking, he took out a pocket-book and drew from it a cheque for fifty pounds, payable to ‘bearer.’

‘I see,’ said Sister Ursula; ‘another contribution to Mount Eden. Ah! you are indefatigable.’