"And that's my sad secret," she added; "one I have to bear about with me at all times, in my work and out of my work. Watts is a good husband to me, but he prides himself on his respectability, and I wouldn't have him know that I have deceived him for the universe. I wouldn't have him know that _she_, being what she is, was my daughter. He said he'd treat me to Ashley's Circus last winter, and gave me two shillings, and I pretended to go. But I gave it to her, poor thing, and walked about in the cold, looking at the late shops, till it was time to come home. Watts asked me what I had seen, and I told him such marvels that he said he'd go the next night himself, for he had never heard the like, and he supposed it must be a benefit night. You will not tell him my secret, sir?" "No, Leah, I will not tell him. It is safe with me." With a long drawn sigh she turned to leave the room. But I stopped her. "A moment yet, Leah. Can you remember at what time you took up the water to Mr. Brightman?" "It was some time before the stone came to the window. About ten minutes, maybe, sir, after you went out. I heard you come downstairs whistling, and go out." "No one came to the house during my absence?" "No one at all, sir." "Did you notice whether Mr. Brightman had either of the drawers of his desk open when you took up the water?" Leah shook her head. "I can't say, sir," she answered. "I did not notice one way or the other." CHAPTER V. LADY CLAVERING. The people were coming out of the various churches when I reached Hastings. Going straight to the Queen's Hotel, I asked for Mrs. Brightman. Perry had said she was staying there. It was, I believe, the only good hotel in the place in those days. Hatch, Mrs. Brightman's maid, came to me at once. Her mistress was not yet up, she said, having a bad headache. Hatch and I had become quite confidential friends during these past years. She was not a whit altered since I first saw her, and to me did not look a day older. The flaming ringlets adorned her face as usual, and sky-blue cap-strings flowed behind them this morning. Hatch was glaringly plain; Hatch had a wonderful tongue, and was ever ready to exercise it, and Hatch's diction and grammar were unique; nevertheless, you could not help liking Hatch. But to hear that Mrs. Brightman was ill in bed rather checkmated me. I really did not know what to do. "My business with your mistress is of very great importance, Hatch," I observed. "I ought to see her. I have come down on purpose to see her." "You might see her this afternoon, Mr. Charles; not before," spoke Hatch decisively. "These headaches is uncommon bad while they last. Perhaps Miss Annabel would do? She is not here, though; but is staying with her aunt Lucy." "I have brought down bad news, Hatch. I should not like Miss Annabel to be the first to hear it."