Elsie explained Mrs. Donaldson's promise, and her threat that he should be turned into the streets to die if she displeased her. There was an audible murmur in the court, which made Elsie conscious for the first time that there were people listening to her. "I know she will do it," Elsie went on, catching her breath rapidly. "She may have done it now."
"You may rest easy about that," the magistrate said, kindly. "She is in a place where she can do nothing of the kind."
But Elsie was only half re-assured. The next moment, however, she had a new alarm in the question, "Did you ever hear the name of Lucy Murdoch?"
"Yes," Elsie faltered, very unwillingly.
The old gentleman looked at her suspiciously.
"Where did you hear it?" he inquired.
"In the house at Edinburgh."
"Well now, who did you hear speak of Lucy Murdoch?"
"Meg begged me not to tell, and I said I wouldn't," Elsie replied, in much distress. "Meg was very kind to Duncan."
"Ah well! you need not answer that question," the old gentleman said, with a smile. "Tell me your own proper name, and where your own mother lives?"