13 save her employer; nor could she ever find any evidence to show that Berwin had received visitors during her absence.

The man was as great a mystery to Mrs.
Kebby as he was to the square, in spite of her superior opportunities of learning the truth.
On Christmas Eve the old woman brought in a cold supper for Berwin, as usual, making several journeys to and fro between hotel and house for that purpose.

She laid the table, made up the fire, and before taking her leave asked Mr.Berwin if he wanted anything else.
"No, I think not," replied the man, who looked wretchedly ill.

"You can bring my breakfast to-morrow." "At nine, sir ?" "At the usual time," answered Berwin impatiently.

"Go away!" Mrs.Kebby gave a final glance round to see that all was in order, and shuffled out of the room as fast as her rheumatism would let her.