CHAPTER XXII
“ I am very much obliged to you for coming,” Newman said. “I hope it won’t get you into trouble.”
“ I don’t think I shall be missed. My lady, in these days, is not fond of having me about her.” This was said with a certain fluttered eagerness which increased Newman’s sense of having inspired the old woman with confidence.
“ From the first, you know,” he answered, “you took an interest in my prospects. You were on my side. That gratified me, I assure you. And now that you know what they have done to me, I am sure you are with me all the more.”
“ They have not done well—I must say it,” said Mrs. Bread. “But you mustn’t blame the poor countess; they pressed her hard.”
“ I would give a million of dollars to know what they did to her!” cried Newman.
Mrs. Bread sat with a
