"How could she, sir? It was a bold plan of mine, but I have hopes that it will be attended with the happiest results. To restore an erring child to her father's arms is a task of which I am sure you will approve." "I do." "Perhaps," continued Mark Inglefield (thinking to himself, "What a fool I was to exhibit any sign of fear!")--"perhaps to bring her back to the path of virtue and make an honest woman of her--this is what I hope to achieve. Then I could come to you, and say, 'I have done this good action in return for the slander which an enemy dared to breathe against me.'" "It would be a good action. To bring a weak, erring child back to the path of virtue, and make an honest woman of her. Is that really your wish?" "What other wish can I have, sir, with respect to Mr. Parkinson? Would it not entirely clear me from suspicion?" Mr. Manners ignored the question. "She did not know you, you say. How did you introduce yourself to her? In your own name?" "Of course. It would have been wrong to use another." "Did the detective you employed accompany you?" "He did; else I should hardly have found this out-of-the-way hole--in which, sir, I am surprised to see you. But I need not express surprise. Your decision of character and kindness of heart are well known to me.", "My decision of character--yes; my kindness of heart--those are meaningless words in your experience of me. But the past can be atoned for." "You have nothing to reproach yourself with, sir." "My conscience answers. But it is not to speak of myself that I have come to-night. Is the detective who conducted you here now in the house? I should like to speak to him." "How unfortunate! It is but a few minutes since he left us. Had I known--" "But you did not know." "No, indeed, sir." "Did you disclose to Miss Parkinson the nature of your errand?" "Yes, sir." "What was her answer?" "She was grateful, truly grateful." "Was it your intention to take her back to her home tonight?" "Scarcely to-night. Early in the morning, after she was calmer, and prepared to meet her father." "She has a companion with her?" It was this question which caused Mark Inglefield to suddenly recollect that Mr. Manners had seen Blooming Bess earlier in the day. Up to this point he had not given her a thought. "Ah, yes, sir, a companion, who gave us certain information when we paid our visit to Mr. Parkinson. It was a happy thought of mine to take the poor girl with us; it would inspire Miss Parkinson with confidence in me. Besides, sir, it would not have been proper for me to visit Miss Parkinson alone." "Shall I call her down to test the truth of your statements?" "Surely, sir, you do not doubt me!" "I ask again, shall I call her down to test the truth of your statements?" "Shall I go up and bring her down to you?" "In order," said Mr. Manners, "that you may have time to concoct some story which you can prevail upon her to adopt, so that I may be the further deceived?"