But it was bad enough to know that the man was again at large.

So long as he was safely lodged in prison, Mrs.Goddard was herself safe; but if once he regained his liberty and baffled the police he would certainly end by finding out Mary's address and there was no telling to what annoyance, to what danger, to what sufferings she might be exposed.

Here was a new interest, indeed, and one which promised to afford the squire occupation until the fellow was caught.
Mr.Juxon knew that he was right in putting the policeman off the track in regard to Mrs.Goddard.He himself was a better detective than Gall, for he went daily to the cottage and if anything was wrong there, was quite sure to discover it.

If Goddard ever made his way to Billingsfield it could only be for the purpose of seeing his wife, and if he succeeded in this, Mrs.Goddard could not conceal it from the squire.

She was a nervous woman who could not hide her emotions; she would find herself in a terrible difficulty and she would perhaps turn to her friend for assistance.