“Yes, but I am going to look for Harry soon and I may keep him all night.  Do you care?  Are you afraid?”

“Harry is safe with you.  I am glad you are going to keep him all night, I am not at all afraid,” and as she arranged the tray and its contents on the table by the hearth, John heard the sweetest strain of melody thrill the little space between them.  He looked at her inquiringly, and she sang softly,

                       “I dwell
    Too near to God, for doubt or fear,
    And share the eternal calm.”

“Where is Harry tonight?” he asked.

“He was to sing at the Odeon in the oratorio of ‘Samson.’  I used to go and hear him but I cannot leave the children now.”

“My dear Lucy, I have come to London specially to talk with you and Harry.  I have been made miserable about Harry.”

“Who told you anything wrong of Harry?”

“Your father.  He is distressed at the road Harry is taking.  He says Harry is beginning to gamble.”

“Is my father sure of what he says?”

“Lucy, I am Harry’s elder brother.  He is dear as life to me.  I am your true friend; be trustful of me.  You may speak to me as to your own heart.  I have come to help you.”

Then she let all the minor notes of doubt and uncertainty go and answered, “Harry needs you, John, though I hardly know how.  He is in great temptations—­he lost every shilling of the last money you sent.  I do not know how he lost it.  We are living now on money I saved when Harry made so much more, and my father gave me fifty pounds when he was here, but he advised me not to tell Harry I had it.  I was to save it for days Harry had none—­for the children.  O John, all this troubles me!”

And John’s face flamed up, for his family pride was keenly touched.  How could Henry Hatton humble his family and his own honor by letting the poor schoolmaster feed his wife and children?  And he threw aside then some considerations he had intended to make in Lucy’s favor, for he saw that she already shared his anxiety, and so would probably be his best helper in any plan for Harry’s salvation, from the insidious temptation by which he was assailed.

CHAPTER IX

JOHN INTERFERES IN HARRY’S AFFAIRS

     Gamblers are reckless men, always living between ebb and flow.

     The germ of every sin, is the reflection, whether it be possible.

After John had recovered from the shock which the knowledge of Lugur’s interference in the financial affairs of his brother had given him, he drew closer to his sister and took her hand and she said anxiously, “John, what can I do to help you in getting Harry into the right way?  I know and feel that all is at present just as it should not be.  I will do whatever you advise.”  She was not weeping, but her face was white and resolute and her eyes shone with the hope that had entered her heart.