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 a perfectly respectable woman, and not likely to be mixed up with people of that kind. Why I was on the stairs at the same time, and I did not hear a word of this; there was certainly something said about a cheque, but not about a baby."

"But I beg your pardon," said Mrs. Dumaresq with asperity, "perhaps your hearing is not as good as mine. I certainly heard the woman say threateningly she would bring back the child, or the infant, I forget which word was used, if something were not done."

"They are charitable," reflected the medical woman, "perhaps they subscribe to a home or institution, and this was some tipsy pensioner."

"Perhaps so," said Mrs. Dumaresq oracularly, "time will tell."

"I'm certain she is upset about her sister's mysterious illness."

"And I'm certain she is upset about that woman's visit, and that there is some connection between it and the case in the papers. I have an instinct in such matters."

"Take care it does not mislead you," said the medical woman. Mrs. Dumaresq again noticed bitterly that her friend was much less