"In stating that he was a properly qualified solicitor our reporter stated a simple fact. He had served articles in a solicitor's office, and had abandoned that profession for one which possessed greater attractions for him.
"It occurred to him to test her, and he addressed her in French. She replied to him in the same language, but with an accent which put his to the blush. We shall, however, give what passed between them in our native tongue, for the sake of perfect clearness, and in the interests of those of our readers who may not be familiar with any other language than their own.
"'Indeed, indeed, I have not,' she replied, earnestly. 'I have spoken the truth. You will not desert me?'
"'I will not. You may count upon me as a sincere friend; but you must confide in me implicitly. I will serve you honestly and faithfully. You have met with misfortunes?'
"'Great misfortunes. I am a most unhappy woman!'
"'Have you any other friends in London in whom you would confide in preference to me? If you have and will give me their names and addresses, I will bring them to you.'
"'I have no other friend in this city in whom I can confide.'
"'But surely you are not entirely alone?'
"She made an effort to speak, but words failed her; she raised her imploring eyes to his face.
"'Strive to master your agitation,' he continued, 'and bend your mind upon the position in which you stand. You heard what the policeman said?'
"'Will you tell them what it was you threw into the river?'
"'I cannot tell them. It might injure--it might ruin me.'
"'To which no person but yourself has a claim?'
"'It was my own; no person but myself has a claim to it.'
"'The loss or recovery of which would injure no one?'
"'Now, consider. You will be taken to the police station and charged.'
"'But they will let me go until to-morrow?'
"'They will not. If I, a stranger to you, offered bail, it would not be accepted. You will be locked up till the morning.'
"'My God!' cried the woman. 'What will become of her--oh, what will become of her?'
"'Of her? Then you are not entirely alone in this city?'
"'I have a daughter,' she said, in a low, despairing tone. 'She will be distracted if I do not return to her to-night.'
"'As I have explained to you, that is out of the question. If you are not unwilling, I will go to her and explain matters.'