She rose and opened the door. She started back in surprise when in her visitors she recognized Uncle Jacob, and leaning upon his arm the husband of whom she had just been thinking. "May we come in?" asked Uncle Jacob, cheerily. "Surely, but--has anything happened?" "Only this; that your husband is sick and has come here to be nursed back to health by my advice." "But--is it safe?" "I think so. The fact is, Bert has made an important discovery, and is likely to make more. We are in a fair way to prove your husband's innocence, and put the guilt where it belongs." "And where does it belong?" "The man who stole the bonds, we have every reason to believe, is Albert Marlowe." "I do not wish to get him into trouble, but if it is necessary in order to vindicate my husband's reputation, I will not object." "Albert Marlowe has been a cruel enemy to you and your family," said Jacob Marlowe, sternly. "He is entitled to no consideration. The past ten years cannot be recalled; but I think that we shall be able to provide a brighter future for yourself and Mr. Barton. The first thing to do is to get him well." "What is the matter with you, John?" asked Mrs. Barton, now for the first time noting with alarm her husband's pale face. "The doctor says my system is run down, and that I need time to recuperate. I was living in a boarding-house in Montreal, and the prospect of being sick there was too much for me. I wanted my wife to take care of me, and, taking the first train to New York, I consulted Uncle Jacob as to whether it would be safe. In the light of Bert's discoveries he told me to take the risk. So here I am. May I stay?" "Do you need to ask that?" said Mrs. Barton, with an affectionate glance at her husband. "There is no place where you have a better right to be." Then, as she thought of her scanty means, a momentary look of anxiety overspread her face lest she should not be able to provide him with the medicines and nourishing food that he required. Uncle Jacob, who was a keen observer, read her thoughts, and reassured her by saying: "Mr. Barton is provided with what money may be required for at least a month, and after that time I think some more can be found." "But, Uncle Jacob, I cannot consent to impose upon your liberality any further. You have but a small sum of money yourself. What would happen to you if you should fall sick?" "I think I should follow your husband's example, and come here to be nursed back to health," replied Uncle Jacob. "What am I to say to the neighbors, for they will be sure to inquire?" "Say that you are taking care of a sick gentleman from New York." "It will not do to give his real name?" "No; call me Mr. Robinson, as you did on my former visit," said Mr. Barton. "Now that this matter is arranged, can you take care of us both to-night?" asked Uncle Jacob. "Yes, there is Bert's room." "Then I will trespass upon your hospitality for one night." "Can't you stay longer, Uncle Jacob?"