"Without telling William anything about Parsons, you'll be able to find out whether it is his intention to interfere in your life. I quite agree with you that it is important that the two men should not meet; but it seems to me, by refusing to speak to William, by refusing to let him see Jackie, you are doing all you can to bring about the meeting that you wish to avoid. Is he much about here?" "Yes, miss, he seems hardly ever out of the street, and it do look so bad for the 'ouse. I do feel that ashamed. Since I've been with you, miss, I don't think you've 'ad to complain of followers." "Well, don't you see, you foolish girl, that he'll remain hanging about, and the moment Parsons comes back he'll hear of it. You'd better see to this at once." "Whatever you says, miss, always do seem right, some 'ow. What you says do seem that reasonable, and yet I don't know how to bring myself to go to 'im. I told 'im that I didn't want no truck with 'im." "Yes, I think you said so. It is a delicate matter to advise anyone in, but I feel sure I am right when I say that you have no right to refuse to allow him to do something for the child. Jackie is now eight years old, you've not the means of giving him a proper education, and you know the disadvantage it has been to you not to know how to read and write." "Jackie can read beautifully--Mrs. Lewis 'as taught him." "Yes, Esther; but there's much besides reading and writing. Think over what I've said; you're a sensible girl; think it out when you go to bed to-night." Next day, seeing William in the street, she went upstairs to ask Miss Rice's permission to go out. "Could you spare me, miss, for an hour or so?" was all she said. Miss Rice, who had noticed a man loitering, replied, "Certainly, Esther." "You aren't afraid to be left in the house alone, miss? I shan't be far away." "No. I am expecting Mr. Alden. I'll let him in, and can make the tea myself." Esther ran up the area steps and walked quickly down the street, as if she were going on an errand. William crossed the road and was soon alongside of her. "Don't be so 'ard on a chap," he said. "Just listen to reason." "I don't want to listen to you; you can't have much to say that I care for." Her tone was still stubborn, but he perceived that it contained a change of humour. "Come for a little walk, and then, if you don't agree with what I says, I'll never come after you again." "You must take me for a fool if you think I'd pay attention to your promises." "Esther, hear me out; you're very unforgiving, but if you'd hear me out----" "You can speak; no one's preventing you that I can see." "I can't say it off like that; it is a long story. I know that I've behaved badly to you, but it wasn't as much my fault as you think; I could explain a good lot of it." "I don't care about your explanations. If you've only got explanations----" "There's that boy." "Oh, it is the boy you're thinking of?"