CHAPTER XXII.
A RESCUE AND A REFORM It was with considerable trepidation that Anne and Grace approached the Nesbit gate the following afternoon.
"I feel my knees beginning to wobble," Grace observed, as they rang the bell.

"This business of being a reformer has its drawbacks.

How had we better begin ?" "I don't know, the inspiration to say the right thing will probably come, when we see her," said Anne.
"If she behaves in her usual manner, I shall have a strong inspiration, to give her a good shaking," said Grace bluntly.
To their relief, the maid who answered the bell informed them that Miriam had gone out for a walk.
"Do you know which way she went ?" Grace asked.
"I think, miss, that she went toward Upton Wood.

She often walks there," replied the maid.
The girls thanked her and started down the walk.
"Miriam ought never to walk, alone, in Upton Wood, especially this time of year," remarked Grace.

"There are any amount of tramps lurking around.
If David knew it he would be awfully provoked." "Let's walk over that way, and perhaps we'll meet her," suggested Anne.
"Now that we've started, I hate to turn back.