"That's the villain that's brought her to this; that took her away from her home and disgraced her, and then left her to starve. If there's justice in heaven, he ought to be made suffer for it." "There's justice in heaven," said Rathbeal, "and it shall overtake him. Your sister needs a man to champion her cause; I offer myself as that man. Without a powerful defender, the reptile who has brought this misery upon her will spurn and laugh at her. It is too late to talk together to-night; your child is waiting for you, and your sister may return at any moment. After a night's rest, she will listen to me--will believe in me. May I call upon you to-morrow morning early?" "Yes, sir, as early as you like. I get up at six. You speak fair, and you've been kind to Prue. God bless you for your goodness! I shall have to go to the hospital in the morning, but I'll wait at home till ten for you." "Very well. Meanwhile, this may be of service to you." He gave her two shillings, and wishing her goodnight, the friends took their departure. "What does all this mean, Rathbeal?" asked Robert Grantham. "I am wrapt in mystery." "You trust me, Robert?" "I would trust you with my life." "Then believe that I have my reasons for keeping silence to-night. Before long the mystery shall be explained to you. I am working for your happiness, Robert." "For my happiness?" echoed Grantham, with a groan. "You are not a skeptic? You believe in eternal mercy and justice?" "I do, God help me!" "Hold fast to that belief. The clouds are breaking, and I see a light shining on your life. Do you remember poor Billy's last prayer?' O Lord God, give Mr. Gran all he wants, and a bit over!' The Lord of the Universe heard that prayer. Ask me no questions, but before you go to bed to-night pray with a thankful heart; for the age of miracles is not yet over, Robert, my friend." CHAPTER XV. Friends in Council. Rathbeal presented himself at Mrs. Flower's room as the clock struck nine. In anticipation of his visit, the woman had "tidied" up the apartment, and Little Prue looked quite neat, with her hands and face washed, and her hair properly combed and brushed. Rathbeal's two shillings had enabled them to have a sufficient breakfast, and the child, naturally shy, raised her eyes gratefully to her benefactor. "Well, little one," he said, pinching her cheek, "do you feel better this morning?" "Oh, ever so much, sir!" replied Little Prue. He looked round for Martha, and Mrs. Flower told him sorrowfully that her sister had not come back. "I shall be worried out of my life till I see her, sir," she said. "We will try and find her for you," he said. "And now tell me everything you know concerning her."