"Yes, if I may," answered the young man, an anxious expression on his face. "To be sure you may; who more welcome? Children, run into my bedroom, dears. I'll turn on the gas and you can study your books in there. Run now, and be quick about it." "It's so cold," said Polly. "Tut, tut, not another word; scatter, all of you." The children longed particularly to stay; they were very fond of Hardy, who generally brought them sweets. Polly's quick eyes had seen a white parcel sticking out of his pocket. It was horrid to have to go into Grannie's bedroom. It was an icy-cold room; just, too, when the kitchen was most enticing. They had to go, however, and Grannie shut the door behind them. "Poor things, it will be cold for them in there," said the young man. "Tut, tut," answered Grannie again, "you don't want 'em to be brought up soft and lazy and good for naught. Now then, Jim, set down and make yourself at home." "How is she?" asked Hardy, speaking in a low voice, and raising his handsome eyes to the old lady's face. Grannie's eyes blazed in reply. "How do you expect her to be?" she answered. "Publicly shamed as she were; I wonder you didn't take her part, Jim, that I do." "I felt stunned," replied Hardy; "it was all so sudden. I tried to push forward and to speak, but I was prevented. There was such an excitement, and Mr. Shaw was in a towering passion--there's no doubt of that. I'm sorry she has left, though." "Well," said Grannie, "she's had the offer to take her place again if she likes." "Has she? Then he doesn't believe her to be guilty?" "No; who would who knew her?" "Who would, indeed?" answered the young man, a glow of pride and pleasure o& his face. "I'll tell her you are here in a minute," said Grannie, "and then I'll leave you two the kitchen to yourselves. But before I go away I jest want to say one thing--Alison won't go back." "Won't?" "No, nor would I let her. Alison will stay here till she's cleared. You are in the shop, Jim, and it's your business to find the thief--that is, ef you love my girl, wot I take it you do." "With all my heart, that I do," he replied. "Then your work's cut out for you. Now you may see her." Grannie stepped across the kitchen. She opened Alison's door a quarter of an inch. "Jim's here, Ally," she said. "I've a job of work in my bedroom, and the children are out of the way. You two can have the kitchen to yourselves ef you want to talk." Alison's low reply was scarcely discernible. Grannie went into her bedroom, clicking the door behind her. A moment or two later Hardy heard Alison step lightly across her room. She came out of it, crossed the kitchen, and approached his side. Her face was perfectly white, her lips trembled with emotion. She still wore her shop dress, but there was a disheveled sort of look about her which the young man had never noticed before.