No one could help her, no one could do anything for her.

For many weeks, revolving the situation in his mind, he had amused himself by thinking how she would look when she should be mistress of the Hall, and wondering whether little Nellie would call him "father," or merely "Mr.Juxon." And now, she turned out to be the wife of a forger, sentenced to hard labour in a convict prison, for twelve years.

For twelve years--nearly three must have elapsed already.

In nine years more Goddard would be out again.
Would he claim his wife?
Of course--he would come back to her for support.

And poor little Nellie thought he was dead! It would be a terrible day when she had to be told.