"It is no use to pretend we belong to the lowest class, because nobody could believe it of you. Say that we are orphans, brother and sister, and that our guardian, who is our uncle, took you from school and got you a place as nursery governess, but that I found you were not kindly treated, and were expected to work like a servant, and they made you clean windows and you turned dizzy and fell and hurt yourself, and that we settled to bolt together, and we don't intend to be caught, so we will say no more. "Don't give the name of the uncle, nor the school, nor the place where you were when you had your accident. "I inclose paper and a stamped addressed envelope for you to write to me. I am working for you only. When they took you away I felt like throwing myself into the canal, but I did no such thing, because I have you to take care of. Keep up hope, get well as fast as you can, and I will find out a way to keep you safe. Mind you let me know if these people will let you stay three weeks, because if not I must arrange to come for you sooner. But another week would be best, as I must get some decent clothes, and my wages aren't much. "I do fervently trust you are better. "Your affect. brother, "DAVID SMITH. "P.S.--_On no account_ ask to see the papers, nor say anything of my being in them. You had better tear up this letter." This document was, upon the whole, most reassuring to Rona. The situation was of such an unprecedented sort that it was consoling to find that the memory of her flight was not a dream--that the young man who had saved her had an actual existence, that he had not forgotten her--that he was still prepared to stand by her. The sole thing which puzzled her was a wonder why her new friend should not wish them to tell the truth. On this difficulty she bent her mind. They had done nothing of which they need be ashamed. The kind lady who visited her, and the benevolent Squire, would never think of handing back a young girl into the power of such a man as Rankin Leigh. Then why not confess their whole adventure? Ah, of course, because of the sad secret in David Smith's past! Naturally he did not like to be known as having been in jail. And if, as he said, the account of his disappearance was in the papers, to describe the circumstances fully would be to reveal his disgrace. This seemed to explain the difficulty, and with all her warm, unsophisticated heart, the young girl vowed that no word of hers should ever betray the man who had done so much for her.