A sudden light flashed on her mind.

Ada's invitation into the bedroom, the inquiry about Jonah, and her sudden dismissal all meant this.
"Did you get what your mother wanted ?" she asked the child, with a thumping sensation in her heart.
"No," said Ray carelessly; "the man wouldn't give me the medicine.

He told me to go home and fetch the rest of the money." "How much more do you want ?" asked Clara, in a curious tone.
"Eighteen pence," said Ray, showing two half-crowns in his hand.
Clara hesitated, with parched lips.

She remembered Ada's face, ravaged by brandy.

She was a physical wreck, and six months ago...perhaps another bottle...
The thought grazed her mind with a stealthy, horrible suggestion.