‘I don’t know,’ said the girl, in a bewildered manner; ‘I never asked. But they said--I mean, you said--that is, whoever it was, said, that Fred is in great danger of some kind, and I must go up to London and warn him to be careful. And, his wife is dead--you were right--and they said something I couldn’t understand, about someone being pushed over somewhere. And they described a man who is Fred’s worst friend. I don’t know, how--but I am to warn him against him. And oh! mother, may I go to town and see him?’ she concluded with glistening eyes. ‘I don’t half like the idea, Rhoda,’ replied Mrs Berry. ‘What should you go thrusting yourself into this man’s way again for? He may quite misconstrue your motives.’ The girl drew herself up proudly. ‘No, mother, he could hardly do that. I would not let him do that. Besides, Fred is a gentleman, remember. If I go to warn him, and ask him to consider before he takes any important step, he will know I only do it as a friend. And his poor wife is so lately dead, too. Please, mother, do me more justice than that.’ ‘I know, child, I know; but when there has once been such intimacy, it is hard to break through or forget it. However, if the controls urge you to go, go you must. Do you know where Mr Walcheren is now?’ ‘No, but I know his flat in Nevern Mansions, and, doubtless, I can find out his present address there.’ ‘I won’t say anything for it, nor against it, Rhoda, but you mustn’t take the child. I won’t have my daughter calling at a gentleman’s house with a baby in her arms. Remember who your dear father was, and don’t make him turn in his grave, poor man.’ ‘No, no, mother!’ replied Rhoda, as if such a feat were possible; ‘but I’m afraid it will be such a trouble to you if I leave baby behind me.’ ‘You mean you think I’ll smack the little crow as soon as your back is turned. No, my girl, I’m not quite such a brute as that, though the sight of the little rascal does make me swear sometimes. But it’s only for your sake, Rhoda; I’ve no spite against the poor, innocent baby. After all, isn’t he yours before anyone else’s, and aren’t you the only one I ever had to call my own? No, my dear, whatever happens, we’ll stick to the little crow, you and I, and bring him up between us, and be mother and father both to him.’ And so saying, Mrs Berry lifted her little grandson from his cot and held him to her heart. ‘Oh, mother, mother, when you talk like that, you do make me feel so happy,’ exclaimed poor Rhoda, as she embraced Mrs Berry; ‘indeed, I know what a trouble and a shame I’ve been to you, and baby too, but I can’t help loving him, mother, never mind what he is. And you needn’t be afraid I’ll say anything to Fred to remind him of his obligations to me. I’m much too proud for that. Only, if he is in danger, and I can warn him, I feel it’s my duty to do so; but if I find it’s a mistake, and the lady is living still, I shall come straight away again, without seeing him.’