“Indeed I do, Miss Mackenzie.”

“And you will do what you can. You can at any rate ensure them the interest of the money—of the money you know that came from me.”

Still Mr Rubb sat in silence, and she thought that he must be stonyhearted. Surely he might undertake to do that, knowing, as he so well knew, the way in which the money had been obtained, and knowing also that he had already said that so much should be forthcoming out of the firm to make up a general income for the family of his late partner.

“Surely there will be no doubt about that, Mr Rubb.”

“The Balls will claim the debt,” said he hoarsely; and then, in answer to her inquiries, he explained that the sum she had lent had not, in truth, been hers to lend. It had formed part of the money that John Ball could claim, and Mr Slow held in his hands an acknowledgement of the debt from Rubb and Mackenzie. Of course, Mr Ball would claim that the interest should be paid to him; and he would claim the principal too, if, on inquiry, he should find that the firm would be able to raise it. “I don’t know that he wouldn’t be able to come upon the firm for the money your brother put into the business,” said he gloomily. “But I don’t think he’ll be such a fool as that. He’d get nothing by it.”

“Then may God help them!” said Miss Mackenzie.

“And what will you do?” he asked.

She shook her head, but made him no answer. As for herself she had not begun to form a plan. Her own condition did not seem to her to be nearly so dreadful as that of all these young children.

“I wish I knew how to help you,” said Samuel Rubb.

“There are some positions, Mr Rubb, in which no one but God can help one. But, perhaps—perhaps you may still do something for the children.”

“I will try, Miss Mackenzie.”

“Thank you, and may God bless you; and He will bless you if you try. ‘Who giveth a drop of water to one of them in my name, giveth it also to me.’ You will think of that, will you not?”

“I will think of you, and do the best that I can.”

“I had hoped to have made them so comfortable! But God’s will be done; God’s will be done. I think I had better go now, Mr Rubb. There will be no use in my going to her upstairs again. Tell her from me, with my love, that she shall hear from me when I have seen the lawyer. I will try to come to her, but perhaps I may not be able. Good-bye, Mr Rubb.”

“Good-bye, Miss Mackenzie. I hope we shall see each other sometimes.”

“Perhaps so. Do what you can to support her. She will want all that her friends can do for her.” So saying she went out of the room, and let herself out of the front door into the street, and began her walk back to the Waterloo Station.