‘Not here, papa,’ said Minette, beginning to cry.  ’I don’t like this place.’

‘Hold your tongue!’ said her father sternly, as Netta led her out of the room.

‘Netta,’ whispered Howel, ’our name is Mills here—­just for a time only.’

When Netta went into the close, dark bedroom at the back of the sitting-room, she took off her sobbing child’s things, set her on her lap, and by degrees soothed her to sleep.  She laid her on such a bed as she had assuredly never slept on before, and then returned to Howel.

She stood before him pale and resolute.  He was pacing the room rapidly, and muttering to himself.

‘Howel, I must know all!  What is the matter?  What is to become of us?’ she said.

’We must not be seen by our friends for a time, dear Netta, because I am liable to be arrested.  Will you mind staying here a day or two alone?  I must go away for a short time on business but will return and remove you when it is settled.  You are better here than at home, as everything will be seized.  You are in Rowland’s parish, if the worst should come to the worst; but I don’t want him to know anything about me, as it will be all right again by-and-by.’

‘Howel, I asked Captain Dancy not to insist upon that money.’

’You did!  That is why he let me off with half for another month.  What did he say?’

’He said, Howel, that if I would go to France with him he would forgive your debt.’

‘And you, Netta?’ Howel clenched his fist.

’And I, Howel?  I left the room, and have never seen him since.  He called after, but I could not speak to him again.  How could I?’

’Netta, will you forgive and try to forget how jealous and unkind I have been?  In spite of all, I have loved you, Netta.  Oh! if I had not taken you away from your happy home!’

’I can bear anything if you love me, Howel.  We will try to get through this difficulty, and then you will begin afresh as a clerk or anything; and we will be happy—­oh, so happy again!  Happier than ever!’

Netta smiled through her tears, whilst Howel groaned aloud.

’Think kindly of me, Netta; don’t let them make you hate me.  I care for no one else in the world.  If I send for you, will you come to me, supposing I cannot come myself?’

‘Anywhere! anywhere!’

Netta put her arms around her husband and sobbed aloud.

By-and-by some refreshments that Howel had ordered came up.  The landlady appeared, who seemed a quiet, meek-looking woman.

’I shall be obliged to leave Mrs Mills and the little girl for a day or two,’ said Howel.  ‘You will see they are attended to, I hope.’

‘Yes, sir,’ said the landlady looking, and, doubtless, feeling astonished at the sort of person Netta was, so pretty and well-dressed.

That evening another letter arrived from Mr Deep, which told Howel very plainly that writs were issued against him, and that his bills, cheques, betting debts, and affairs generally, were being questioned by his friends.  There was also rather more than a hint of his being suspected of forgery.