Not since that other evening, many many years ago, when, after my trial, I found myself face to face with ruin or death and was saved by Stephen Strong had my fortunes been at so low an ebb.

Now, indeed, they appeared absolutely hopeless, for I was no longer young and fit to begin the world afresh; also, the other party being in power, I could not hope to obtain any salaried appointment upon which to support myself and my daughter.

If Mrs.Strong had kept her reason all would have been well, but she was insane, and I had no one to whom I could turn, for I was a man of many acquaintances but few friends.
Wearily I trudged back to my rooms to wait there until it was time to dress, for I had a dinner engagement at the Reform Club.

On the table in the little hall lay a telegram, which I opened listlessly.

It was from a well-known firm of solicitors in Dunchester, and ran:-- "Our client, Mrs.Strong, died suddenly at three o'clock.