CHAPTER XIII.
JOPPA'S TRIAL.
It was the night before Gerald's departure, and a number of people strayed into Mrs.Lane's parlor to bid the fair traveller god-speed.

She had not been at all a popular guest, but that was no reason why Joppa should lack in any possible courtesy toward her, little as she appreciated the magnanimity of its conduct.
"Very sorry to lose you, very," said Mr.Hardcastle, taking her hand in the soft, warm grasp that Gerald so particularly detested.

"But maybe it's as well you are going.

Joppa isn't the place it used to be.

Here's Mr.Anthony's got the fever to-night, and there's a poor family down in the village as have all got it, Dennis says; and I noticed that little Nellie Atterbury had monstrous red cheeks when Dick and I passed her to-night, and indeed I crossed the street to avoid her in case she might be going to have the fever too.