But then there were those shares, which had not long since been worth much more than half that sum, which must still be worth a large part of it.
'But we must know, dearest, before Harry can do anything,' said Mrs.Woodward.
Gertrude blushed crimson when Harry Norman's name was mentioned.
And had it come to that--that they must look to him for aid?
'Can you not ask him, love ?' said Mrs.Woodward.

'I saw him in the dining-room; go and ask him; when he knows that we are doing our best for him, surely he will help us.' Gertrude, with a heavy heart, went down on her message, and did not return for fifteen or twenty minutes.

It may easily be conceived that Norman's name was not mentioned between her and her husband, but she made him understand that an effort would be made for him if only the truth could be ascertained.
'It will be of no use,' said he.
'Don't say so, Alaric; we cannot tell what may be of use.

But at any rate it will be weight off your heart to know that this money has been paid.

It is that which overpowers you now, and not your own misfortune.' At last he suffered her to lead him, and she put down on paper such figures as he dictated to her.