“A singular way of inducing any one to bestow favours,” replied Mrs. Freeman, dryly.  “Why does not the old lady leave there?”

“Bless your heart, my dear friend, she cannot get an opportunity!  They never suffer her to leave the house unattended.  Once or twice, indeed, she succeeded in getting into the street, but they discovered her in a moment, and actually forced her into the house.  You smile incredulously, but if you had been an eye-witness of their proceedings, as I have, or had heard the screams of the poor creature, and the heavy blows which they inflict, you would be convinced of the truth of what I tell you.”

“I do not doubt the truth of your story in the least, my dear Mrs. Morris.  I only think that in this case, as in most others, there must be two sides to the story.  It is almost incredible that such barbarous treatment could continue for any great length of time without discovery and exposure.”

“Oh, as to that, people are not fond of getting themselves into trouble by meddling with their neighbours’ affairs.  I am very cautious about it myself.  I would not have mentioned this matter to any one but an old friend like yourself.  It seemed best to put you on your guard.”

“Thank you,” was the smiling reply.  “It is hardly probable that I shall be called upon to make any acquaintance with my new neighbours but if I am, I certainly shall not forget your caution.”

Satisfied that she had succeeded, at least partially, in awakening the suspicions of her friend, Mrs. Morris took her departure, while Mrs. Freeman, quite undisturbed by her communications, continued her usual quiet round of domestic duties, thinking less of the affairs of her neighbours than of those of her own household.

Occasionally she saw the old lady whom Mrs. Morris had mentioned walking in the adjoining garden, sometimes alone, and sometimes accompanied by the lady of the house, or one of the children.  There was nothing striking in her appearance.  She looked cheerful and contented, and showed no signs of confinement or abuse.  Once, when Mrs. Freeman was in her garden, she had looked over the fence, and praised the beauty of her flowers, and when a bunch was presented to her, had received them with that almost childish delight which aged people often manifest.

Weeks passed on, and the remarks of Mrs. Morris were almost forgotten, when Mrs. Freeman was aroused one night by loud cries, apparently proceeding from the adjoining house; and on listening intently could plainly distinguish the sound of heavy blows, and also the voice of the old lady in question, as if in earnest expostulation and entreaty.

Mrs. Freeman aroused her husband, and together they listened in anxiety and alarm.  For nearly an hour the sounds continued, but at length all was again quiet.  It was long, however, before they could compose themselves to rest.  It was certainly strange and unaccountable, and there was something so inhuman in the thought of abusing an aged woman that their hearts revolted at the idea.