Page:Tales of two countries.djvu/143

Rh "I'm afraid your husband is nearer the truth than we thought," replied Mrs. Warden.

Then she told about the inspector, and the ingratitude these people had displayed towards the man who cared for them day by day.

But when she came to what she had heard of the poor woman's past life, and still more when she told about the young girl, Mrs. Abel was so overcome that she had to ask the servant to bring some port wine.

When the girl brought in the tray with the decanter, Mrs. Abel whispered to her: "Tell the dress-maker to wait."

"And then, can you conceive it," Mrs. Warden continued—"I scarcely know how to tell you"—and she whispered.

"What do you say! In one bed! All! Why, it's revolting!" cried Mrs. Abel, clasping her hands

"Yes, an hour ago I, too, could not have believed it possible," answered Mrs. Warden. "But when you've been on the spot yourself, and seen with your own eyes—"

"Good heavens, Emily, how could you venture into such a place!"

"I am glad I did, and still more glad of the happy chance that brought the inspector on the scene just at the right time. For if it is ennobling to bring succour to the virtuous poor who live clean and frugal lives in their humble sphere, it