"Have you any news ?" The girl answered with a faltering negative.

She, too, had her unhappy story.

A Polterham mechanic who made love to her lost his employment, went to London with hopes and promises, and now for more than half a year had given no sign of his existence.

Mrs.Wade had been wont to speak sympathetically on the subject, but to-night it excited her anger.
"Don't be such a simpleton, Annie! If only you knew anything of life, you would be glad of what has happened.

You are free again, and freedom is the one thing in the world worth having.