"Here; but there was no intercourse between the sisters." "Was it not by her mother's wish that Miss Carpenter was placed with her aunt?" "No. I acted on no authority but my own." "What sort of a woman was Mrs. Carpenter?" "A very admirable woman. A sweet, sound, noble nature, with a great deal of quiet strength." "Is her daughter like her?" "Not in the least. I do not mean that she lacks some of her mother's good qualities; but they are developed differently, and with a wholly different background of temperament." "Was there a feud between the sisters, or anything like it?" Mr. Southwode hesitated. "I know the story," he said. "Mrs. Carpenter never complained; but I think another woman would, in her place." "Will you allow me to ask, how she came to entrust her child to you?" "I was the only friend at hand. And now," Mr. Southwode went on smiling, "may I be permitted to ask another question or two? When have you heard from Miss Carpenter?" "Not a word all summer. In the spring my school was broken up, on account of sickness in the house; I sent Rotha home to her aunt; and since then I have heard nothing from her. Not a word." "You do not know then of course where she is?" "With her aunt, I suppose, of course. Is she not with Mrs. Busby?" "She is making a visit somewhere, Mrs. Busby tells me." And he hesitated. "Has Rotha's home been happy with her aunt?" "That is a question I never ask. Rotha does not complain." "I need not ask whether her abode has been happy _here_," said the gentleman smiling again; "but, has she been a satisfactory member of your school?" "Perfectly so! Of my school and family." "You are satisfied with her studies, her progress in them, I mean?" "Perfectly. I never taught any one with more pleasure or better results." "I am very glad to hear that," said Mr. Southwode. And he took his leave. The very next train for Tanfield carried him northward. CHAPTER XXVIII. DISCOVERIES. The next day, which was the 24th of October, passed as other days of less significance had done. At dinner Mrs. Purcell complained of Rotha's failure of appetite. Rotha had been down-hearted all the morning. Seven days more, and November would begin! "You don't eat worth a red cent!" said Mrs. Purcell. "Aint that a good pot pie?" "Excellent! The queen of England couldn't have a better." "If she hasn't a better appetite she won't be queen long. Why don't ye eat?" "Sometimes I can't, Prissy." "What ails you?" "Nothing. I get thinking; that's all." "Joe," said his wife, "what's Mis' Busby doin'?" "Couldn't say." "Where is she? Why don't she come after Miss Rotha?" "I s'pose she's busy with her own affairs. If she' had consulted me, I could ha' told you more." "If she ever consults you, I hope you'll give her some good advice. She wants it bad!" "I guess I will," said Mr. Purcell, lounging out. "If I don't, you kin."