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 and if you sanction such goings on, it is no place for respectable people."

Mrs. Wilcox wrung her hands despairingly.

"I appeal to you, ladies," she said, addressing Mrs. Dumaresq and Mrs. Whitley, "to consider that if Miss Semaphore is alive, we might, by saying a word, lay ourselves, all four, open to an action for libel. It may be as Miss Lord says; still, until things develop, until we know a little more about this trial and the baby farming, and the connection of Miss Prudence with it all, it is better to be silent, and get her away peaceably. Even if nobody saw Miss Semaphore leave, there is no proof that she did not slip out unobserved, though I grant it seems unlikely."

"Do as you wish," said the medical woman in a towering rage. "I will be no party to these concealments. My duty is clear, and however painful it may be, I will do it."

"But the libel, Miss Lord," suggested Mrs. Whitley. "What Mrs. Wilcox says is true. If Miss Semaphore turns up, her sister may prosecute you."

This rather sobered the medical woman.

"Well," she said, more conciliatingly, "what do you suggest should be done?"