CHAPTER II.
"About me, Mr.Cleek ?" "Yes.

You spoke about there being a change in your circumstances--spoke as though you thought I knew.

I do not; but I should like to if I may.
It will perhaps explain why you are out alone and in this neighbourhood at this time of night." "It will," she said, with just a shadow of deeper colour coming into her cheeks.

"The house you saw me coming out of is the residence of a friend and former schoolmate.

I went there to inquire if she could help me in any way to secure a position; and stopped later than I realised." "Procure you a position, Miss Lorne?
A position as what ?" "Companion, amanuensis, governess--anything that," with a laugh and a blush, "'respectable young females' may do to earn a living when they come down in the world.