Effie got up quickly; she poured some sal-volatile into a wineglass, and, filling it up with water, brought it to her mother to drink. Mrs. Staunton was soon better. The passing weakness went off quickly. "What is to be done?" she said, raising her eyes to her daughter. "Oh, I am so glad you don't scold me, Effie." "Of course I don't, mother darling. You must have money, you can't get on without it." "That's just what I say. I am sure I am as saving as woman could be, but the expenses are so heavy." "Yes, of course." "I'm expecting George in every minute," said Mrs. Staunton. "He has very likely put the money back into the bank now. He is doing such a splendid business that perhaps he drew the fifty pounds--meaning to return it at once. He has such a capital head for making money--really, I never knew such a boy. I dare say he has put it back _doubled_." "Oh, mother, don't you know better?--how can he do that? But now let us talk of something else. Here's Agnes, that's right. Agnes, will you get some tea for mother? She's quite weak and upset. I'm going out. I must hurry, for I've to be back at the hospital at five. I'm going out, but I'll come to see you mother, before I return to the hospital. Get the tea, Agnes; don't be long about it." Agnes put a little kettle on the fire. "Do you know about--about the check?" she asked Effie in a whisper. "Oh, yes; don't make a fuss over it--it will be all right." "Mrs. Robinson says she must be paid--she is owed four weeks' rent, and she won't let it go on any longer." "I'll see her when I come back," said Effie. "Now, do take care of mother. I won't be away a minute longer than I can help." "Won't you have a cup of tea first, Effie?" "No, no; I've no time." Effie ran downstairs, and went out into the street. She felt nerved and braced now. The moment of indecision was past--the moment for definite action had arrived. There was no question with regard to her duty. It lay plain and straight before her. She happened to know that the Harveys were in town. They were staying in Eaton Place. She took an omnibus, which presently brought her into the neighborhood of Victoria; a few minutes afterward she rang the bell at their hall door. A man-servant, whom she did not know, opened it. "Is Mrs. Harvey at home?" asked Effie. "I believe so," he replied, "but I'm not sure if she can see anyone." "Perhaps she will see me if you give her my name," said Effie in a gentle voice. "Say Miss Effie Staunton, please, and that I am anxious to see her on pressing business." The man withdrew, inviting Effie as he did so into the hall. "He takes me for a servant," she said to herself. "Well, what matter? That truly is only a pinprick." In a minute or two he returned, with a changed expression on his face. "Follow me upstairs, please, miss," he said. "My mistress will see you."