"I wonder what she knows of him?" was her swift thought. "Perhaps it is better this way." Selina sobbed like a child--in a helpless and stricken fashion, clinging tightly the while to Miss Chressham, desperately revolving some means of comfort and help. But Miss Boyle was the first to speak. "I want you to see him"--she steadied herself with an effort. "Will you?" Susannah was silent. Miss Boyle withdrew from her embrace and mastered struggling sobs. "I want you," she said humbly, pleading with wet eyes, "to show him--that," she pointed to the paper by the neglected tea-table, "before he sees it for himself, and to ask him--for--" She hesitated. "For your sake," finished Miss Chressham, looking away. "Well?" "To--to ignore it--to suppress it if he can; but to ignore it. Tell him that I am going away--if I can; but that I confide in him to make nothing of it. Oh, you know what to say!" She paused, then gathered strength again. "Will you do this, dear?" "Yes," said Miss Chressham quietly. "I will send to him at once." "Thank you," whispered Selina; her blurred eyes shone with gratitude. "You understand what I mean?" "Yes, I understand." Susannah smiled sadly. "I am afraid it is rather a woman's way, dear, but I can conceive of no other course to take." Miss Boyle fumbled among her voluminous skirts for her reticule, and pulled it open. "He has only sent me three letters," she said breathlessly, "and you shall see them." Susannah turned swiftly. "What do you make me? Indeed, I will not look at them--and you have no right to show them." Miss Boyle sat silent. "I will do what I can," continued Susannah, "but I cannot answer for Rose, save that he must perceive for himself how any action of his would make the matter worse." "Has he not possibly some influence with the gentleman who conducts the paper?" asked Selina. "Ah, my dear, that was tried before in the Cathcart case, and was found useless! So there be but the thinnest veil over the names these papers may publish what they please." Miss Boyle rose and wiped her eyes. "I am ashamed to disturb you with my troubles," she murmured; "but the mere speaking of them has been a comfort." "Do not thank me yet," said Susannah with a quick flush, "for though all I have and am is at your service, I am very helpless." "But I have the greatest trust in you and him, and--and I must go before the candles come in." She caught Susannah by the shoulders and kissed her impulsively. "Oh, I shall cry again if I stay. I am a weak fool," she said in a breaking voice, "but--ah, well, good-bye!" "Good-bye, dear," answered Miss Chressham. "I shall hope to send to you in the morning." Miss Boyle caught up the blue parasol. "I do not know what I am asking of you," she said in an agitated tone, "but I trust you, and if by any means you can persuade him----" "What of Sir Francis?" asked Susannah suddenly.