"It's about Miss Crane," replied the widow, plunging at once into the middle of her story. "She received a letter yesterday from London which made me suspicious. This evening she asked leave to go out at nine--a most unreasonable hour--but out of consideration for what I thought would be your wish, I gave her permission. But, at the same time, I thought it right to follow her, and see what she was up to." "Very good of you I'm sure," sneered Barton, now more himself. "Well?" "Well, I found your Miss Crane in very intimate communion with a man behind the church--a ragged, disreputable-looking person, whom she called Jabez." To all appearances the Squire was not in the least impressed by this information. He betrayed no sign of emotion, but fixed his eyes steadily on the triumphant face of his niece. "And you listened to their tittle-tattle, I suppose?" he said gravely. "It was my bounden duty to do so, uncle--and, indeed, it is well I did, for now I am in a position to warn you. That is why I came at once. You are in great danger!" "Oh, you think I'm in danger, do you? Well, go on, and repeat what you heard, and I'll tell you whether _I_ think so." "I can repeat it every word," said Mrs. Darrow, whose memory was stimulated to more than ordinary activity by the venom which had prompted her action. Barton listened attentively, though outwardly perfectly immobile. "Well," he said, when she had finished, "is that all?" The lady was a trifle confused. She continued, "Of course I shall not keep Miss Crane after this. Indeed, I had intended that she should leave at the end of the month. But now, of course, she must go at once. She is evidently associated with the criminal classes--we may have robbery and murder here in no time if she remains." "Really, Julia, your imagination is positively repulsive in its abnormal activity. I am sorry in this case to have to deprive you of the pleasure of giving rein to it to other people." "Indeed, I shall tell everybody," replied Mrs. Darrow viciously. "This wolf in sheep's clothing shall be known for what she is--she shall be punished!" "That is my affair solely. About what you have heard you will maintain absolute silence--do you understand--absolute silence? Not a word either to Miss Crane or anyone else." "Indeed, I refuse to do anything of the kind--the whole of Thorpe shall know--and, what's more, she shall go." "In that case your income ceases from this day." This was unexpected. Mrs. Darrow took counsel with herself, and realised that her position was hopeless. She made one final attempt. "I'm sure I only did my duty," she wailed. "How can you ask me to allow my boy to grow up in the contaminating presence of such a creature? It is too bad, uncle--too cruel of you to place me in such a position."