Mr. Fitzgerald sees that his last remark is having no very good effect on Madame Montford, and hastens to qualify, ere it overcome her.  “That, I may say, Madame, was not the last of her.  My wife and me, seeing how her mind was going wrong again, got her in bed for the night, and took what care of her we could.  Well, you see, she got rational in the morning, and, thinking it a chance, I ’plied a heap of kindness to her, and got her to tell all she knew of herself.  She went on to tell where she lived-I followed your directions in questioning her-at the time you noted down.  She described the house exactly.  I have been to it to-night; knew it at a sight, from her description.  Some few practical questions I put to her about the child you wanted to get at, I found frightened her so that she kept shut-for fear, I take it, that it was a crime she may be punished for at some time.  I says, ’You was trusted with a child once, wasn’t you?’ ‘The Lord forgive me,’ she says, ’I know I’m guilty-but I’ve been punished enough in this world haven’t I?’ And she burst out into tears, and hung down her head, and got into the corner, as if wantin’ nobody to see her.  She only wanted a little good care, and a little kindness, to bring her to.  This we did as well as we could, and made her understand that no one thought of punishing her, but wanted to be her friends.  Well, the poor wretch began to pick up, as I said before, and in three days was such another woman that nobody could have told that she was the poor crazy thing that ran about the lanes and alleys of the Points.  And now, Madame, doing as you bid me, I thought it more practical to come to you, knowing you could get of her all you wanted.  She is made comfortable.  Perhaps you wouldn’t like to have her brought here-I may say I don’t think it would be good policy.  If you would condescend to come to our house, you can see her alone.  I hope you are satisfied with my services.”  The detective pauses, and again wipes his face.

“My gratitude for your perseverance I can never fully express to you.  I owe you a debt I never can repay.  To-morrow, at ten o’clock, I will meet you at your house; and then, if you can leave me alone with her—­”

“Certainly, certainly, everything will be at your service, Madame,” returns the detective, rising from his seat and thanking the lady, who rewards him bountifully from her purse, and bids him good night.  The servant escorts him to the door, while Madame Montford buries her face in her hands, and gives vent to her emotions.

On the morning following, a neatly-caparisoned carriage is seen driving to the door of a little brick house in Crosby street.  From it Madame Montford alights, and passes in at the front door, while in another minute it rolls away up the street and is lost to sight.  A few moments’ consultation, and the detective, who has ushered the lady into his humbly-furnished little parlor, withdraws to give place to the pale and emaciated figure of the woman Munday, who advances with faltering step and downcast countenance.  “Oh! forgive me, forgive me! have mercy upon me! forgive me this crime!” she shrieks.  Suddenly she raises her eyes, and rushing forward throws herself at Madame Montford’s feet, in an imploring attitude.  Dark and varied fancies crowd confusedly on Madame Montfort’s mind at this moment.