"
The time passed smoothly and quickly--the present time, in which _she_
was recovering so happily--the present time, which _he_ was beginning to
distrust already.
Early one morning Mr. Merrick surprised Kirke by a visit in his little
room on the second floor.
"I came to the conclusion yesterday," said the doctor, entering abruptly
on his business, "that our patient was strong enough to justify us at
last in running all risks, and communicating with her friends; and I
have accordingly followed the clew which that queer fellow, Captain
Wragge, put into our hands. You remember he advised us to apply to Mr.
Pendril, the lawyer? I saw Mr. Pendril two days ago, and was referred
by him--not overwillingly, as I thought--to a lady named Miss Garth.
I heard enough from her to satisfy me that we have exercised a wise
caution in acting as we have done. It is a very, very sad story; and I
am bound to say that I, for one, make great allowances for the poor girl
downstairs. Her only relation in the world is her elder sister. I have
suggested that the sister shall write to her in the first instance, and
then, if the letter does her no harm, follow it personally in a d ay or
two.
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