“No, Alice, and ask them to send me out some books to look at. I always like to see the books before I choose them.” Alice Heathcote went into the shop. An old man was behind the counter. “I want some note-paper, and please will you take a few of the last novels to the gentleman in the invalid carriage at the door, that he may choose a set.” As Alice spoke a young woman came forward, selected several books, and went with them to the door. Alice heard a strange hoarse cry from James, “Carry!” and then there was a dull sound, as the young woman fell heavily on the floor. Alice ran first out to James, who was deadly pale, and gazing with a strange fixed stare into the shop. “What is it, James, tell me, what is the matter?” He did not answer till she touched him. “Carry!” he said, “Carry! alive. Oh, thank God! thank God!” The footman, by Alice’s direction, assisted the old man in raising the insensible woman, and carrying her into the parlour. Alice waited until she recovered, and then returned into the shop, and beckoned the old man to follow her. “You are Mr. Walker, I presume?” “Yes,” the old man said, “I am, madam; and let me implore you, do not mention to any one what has happened. If you only knew what Carry has gone through, I am sure you would not; and now, just as we were getting comfortable again”— “You may rely upon me, Mr. Walker. But I must see your daughter, and ask her some questions. The happiness of a whole family depends upon her answer. I will come in at nine o’clock this evening.” “Very well, ma’am,” the old man said, “but pray, pray say nothing about it.” “You may rely upon me,” Miss Heathcote said. James was very quiet and still upon his way home. “Only to think,” he muttered gently to himself, “Carry alive after all!” When he reached the door, he said to Alice, “Please tell grandfather. I shall go and lie down for a while.” “Uncle Harry,” Alice said, “a very strange thing has happened. We went into a shop, and found Mr. Walker and his daughter.” “What!” Captain Bradshaw said, perfectly astounded. “Mr. Walker and his daughter? Do you really mean her, Alice?” “Yes, uncle, there is no mistake about it.” “But I thought she was drowned, Alice?” “We did think so, uncle; but you see she is not. I shall be able to tell you more to-night, uncle. I am going to see her at nine this evening.” “Going to see her, Alice!” “Yes, uncle; we have been acting too much in the dark all along. Part of the accusation against Frank is untrue anyhow. Thank God for it! And I am determined now to find out from her how much Frank really was to blame. I am afraid we have been very cruel, uncle.”