CHAPTER XXVI.
_DAY_ after day Mr.Dinneford waited for the woman who was to restore the child of Edith, but she did not come.

Over a week elapsed, but she neither called nor sent him a sign or a word.

He dared not speak about this to Edith.

She was too weak in body and mind for any further suspense or strain.
Drew Hall had been nearly thrown down again by the events of that Christmas day.

The hand of a little child was holding him fast to a better life; but when that hand was torn suddenly away from his grasp, he felt the pull of evil habits, the downward drift of old currents.