Mrs. Birtwell accepted the invitation. As the carriage moved away she said:
"I heard something to-day that troubles me. I am told that Mr. Ridley, since the death of his wife, has become very intemperate, and that his family are destitute—so much so, indeed, that his daughter has applied to you for the situation of day-governess in order to earn something for their support."
"It is too true," replied Mrs. Sandford. "The poor child came to see me in answer to an advertisement."
"Have you engaged her?"
"No. She is too young and inexperienced for the place. But something must be done for her."
"What? Have you thought out anything? You may count on my sympathy and co-operation."
"The first thing to be done," replied Mrs. Sandford, "is to lift her out of her present wretched condition. She must not be left where she is, burdened with the support of her drunken and debased father. She is too weak for that—too young and beautiful and innocent to be left amid the temptations and sorrows of a life such as she must lead if no one comes to her rescue."
"But what will become of her father if you remove his child from him?" asked Mrs. Birtwell.
Her voice betrayed concern. The carriage stopped at the residence of Mrs. Sandford, and the two ladies went in.
"What will become of her wretched father?"