'I can't think of myself yet, Lyddy. You must have her back again, and there'll be time enough to think of trifles.' 'But let me tell you all I know, Gilbert. He doesn't love her; you mustn't think that. There's never been a word between them. She went to help him with the books, and so it came on her.' 'It's true, then,' he said gravely, 'that they met there?' 'He didn't encourage her. She told me again and again he didn't. She went on Wednesday morning, and he never came. That was on purpose, I'm sure.' 'But why wasn't I told about the books?' 'He wanted to surprise you. And now he's gone away, Gilbert. He told her he wouldn't be back till after her marriage.' 'He's gone away?' She raised her face, and continued eagerly: 'You see why he went, don't you? I had hard thoughts of him at first, but now I know I was wrong. You think so much of him; you know he wouldn't be so cowardly and wicked. Thyrza told me the solemn truth; I would die rather than doubt her word. You must believe her, Gilbert. It's all so hard! She couldn't help it. And you mustn't think harm of him!' He said under his breath: 'I must try not to.' She sat down, overcome, yielding herself to voiceless misery. It was a long time before Gilbert spoke. 'Do you know where he is gone to, Lyddy?' 'No, I don't.' Again silence. Then he moved, and looked at the clock. 'Will you sit with my mother? This is a great blow to her as well, and it is hard to bear at her age. I will go out and see what I can do. Don't fear, we'll find her. You shall soon have her back. Do you feel able to sit with mother? 'Yes, I will, Gilbert.' 'Thank you. It will be kindness. I don't think I shall be very late.' In passing her, he just touched her hand. In the meanwhile, Ackroyd had returned to Newport Street. He sent up word by the landlady that he wished to see Totty. The latter sent a reply to him that perhaps she would be coming out in about an hour, but could not be certain. He waited, standing in the rain, over against the house. Perhaps twenty minutes passed; then he saw the girl come forth. 'We can't talk here,' Luke said, joining her. 'Will you come under the archway yonder?' 'I don't see that we've got so much to talk about,' Totty answered, indifferently. 'Yes, I've several things to ask you.' 'All right. But I can't wait out in the cold for long.' They went in the direction away from Paradise Street, and found shelter under a black vault of the railway. A train roared above their heads as they entered. 'I've just seen Lydia Trent,' he began. 'Did you expect that anything of this kind would happen?' 'I've told you already that I have nothing to do with Thyrza and her goings on. I told Lydia she'd better go to you if she wanted to find her sister. I hope you told her all you know.' 'What do you mean by that? How should I be able to help her to find Thyrza?'