To be turned into the road would not mean that this poor sufferer should die of the cold of the hard winter.

There were tender hearts round about, and shelter would be found for her.

Yet, no! it was Ralph's concernment, and what right had they to take charity for his mother without his knowledge?
Ralph ought to be told, if they could tell him.

Yes, he _must_ be told.
Having come to a settled resolution on this point, Rotha rose up from the bed, and, brushing her tangled hair from her forehead, walked back into the kitchen.

Standing where she had stood while the constables were there, she enacted every incident and heard every syllable afresh.
There could be no longer any doubt that Ralph should know what had already happened and what further was threatened.