’Thank you, I am so very much obliged to you.  I should never have got through them.  And now, will you tell me of those wretched people that Mr. Jones would not let me go and see.’

’I gave them the money you kindly sent, or, at least, laid it out for them, as they would have spent it in gin, and they are already more comfortable; but the father is gone away, and the mother apparently dying.’

‘Is there no way of alleviating all this wretchedness?’

’I fear none.  Sin is at the root, and as long as the present world lasts, there must be misery with it.’

Rowland spoke these words in an unusually melancholy and depressed tone of voice, which caused Miss Gwynne to look up from the papers, directly at him.  He was paler than usual, and his lip quivered.  He met her glance, and making an effort to rise, said hastily,—­

’Can I have the honour of doing anything more for you, Miss Gwynne.  I am sure I can return you the thanks of the committee, indeed of every one concerned for—­’

’I want no thanks, I deserve no thanks from any one; are you ill, Mr. Rowland?  You have been in some of those dreadful haunts, and they have upset you.  May I get you something?’

‘Thank you, I am quite well.’  Rowland’s lip quivered still more and he grew still less calm, as he again met Miss Gwynne’s eye fixed on him with evident interest.

’I am sure you are ill; you must allow me the privilege of a parishioner, if not of an old friend, and let me ask what is the matter?’

Her manner was so kind, that Rowland’s reserve was for a moment overcome.

‘Thank you, Miss Gwynne—­my poor sister.’

’Yes, what of her?  I assure you I am truly interested for her; poor Netta!’

’I fear she is in serious trouble, I scarcely know what myself as yet; but she, her husband and child have left the house, and Howel’s creditors have taken possession of all his effects.  No one knows where they are gone, or what is to become of them.’

Rowland had not the courage to tell Miss Gwynne that the police were searching for Howel right and left upon a charge of forgery.

‘Poor Netta!  I am very, very sorry.  What can have reduced him to this?’

’Gaming, horse-racing, speculating!  These will waste the largest fortune and ruin the fairest hopes.  But he deserves it all, only my poor sister is the victim, and the respectability of an honest name is impeached.’

’Oh no—­poor Netta’s hasty marriage and wilful temper were the causes of her trouble, it can have nothing to do with your family; besides, many people of high family and position are obliged to fly for debt.’

’That is dishonour enough, Miss Gwynne, but this—­this is worse; Howel is suspected of—­of forgery.’

Rowland gave Miss Gwynne one quick, searching glance as he said that word, and then rose to go.  She rose, too, but putting out her hands, and looking him full in the face, kindly and gently, she said,—­