There was a police-officer in the house, and mother had gone away, I can't tell where.

Father has done something, and--Oh, what shall I do?
You can help me, can't you ?" Waymark, whom this news overwhelmed with blank despair, could at first say nothing; but the very greatness of the blow gradually produced in him the strength to bear it.

He saw that fate had taken the future out of his hands; there was no longer even the appearance of choice.

To Maud he must now devote himself, aiding her with all his strength in the present and through the days to come.
"Shall I go back home with you ?" he asked, pressing her hands to comfort her, and speaking with the calmness of one who had made up his mind.
"Yes; perhaps mother will have returned.

But what shall we do?
What will happen to father?
Do you know anything of all this ?" "Nothing whatever.