Becky awoke from these dreams in tears, and was glad she had Fanny in bed with her. She rose early, and at eight o'clock went out to buy some clothes for the child. When Fanny appeared before Mrs. Preedy in the kitchen, she was a decent-looking, tidy little girl, with a world of happiness in her face. She had found her friend, her angel friend, who would never again desert her. She understood in some dim way that Becky would call upon her for help in the secret which had caused her to assume the disguise of a servant. "I 'ope it's somethink 'ard she wants me to do," thought Fanny. She would like to show Becky what love and gratitude could accomplish. "You're a nice looking little thing," said Mrs. Preedy, pinching Fanny's cheek. At about eleven o'clock, Becky asked and received permission to "go to the lawyer's" to receive her money. Before she left the house she said to Fanny, "You don't forget what I said to you last night." "I couldn't if I tried," replied Fanny. "Mrs. Preedy is to know nothing. You understand, Fanny?" "Yes." "I shall be out for nearly an hour. If you hear a knock at the street door run up and open it, and if a gentleman comes and asks for me, tell him I shall be back before twelve." "I'll tell him, Becky." No person called, however; and Becky, returning, gave Mrs. Preedy forty pounds to take care of. "That," she thought, "will enable me to keep in this house as long as I choose to remain." All the day she waited for news of her lover. As the hours dragged on, her state of suspense became most painful. In the early part of the evening she received a note by the hands of a messenger. "My darling," it said, "I am in the deepest grief. A dreadful calamity has overtaken me, and I must consider well and reflect before I move a step. I think it best for me not to present myself in Great Porter Square. You want to see me, I know, as I want to see you, but before we meet it is necessary that you should read a Statement I am preparing for you, and which will be in your hands late tonight. There must be no more secrets between us. Believe me ever your devoted and unhappy lover." At eleven o'clock Becky received the "Statement." It was a thick packet, on the outside of which was written: "For no other eyes but yours." When the messenger arrived--he was a middle-aged man, with a shrewd face and eye--Mrs. Preedy was out of the house, gossiping as usual with Mrs. Beale, and confiding to her the wonderful news that she had a servant who was very rich. Mrs. Beale gave Mrs. Preedy a bit of shrewd advice. "Orfer to go into partnership with 'er, my dear," said Mrs. Beale, "and take a 'ouse on the other side of the Square." Mrs. Preedy confessed it was not half a bad idea. "I am to give this packet," said the messenger, "into the hands of a young woman named Becky." "I am Becky," said the anxious girl. "The gentleman was very particular," continued the messenger, "and I am to ask you if you expected it." "Yes, I expected it."