I shall ask all sorts of questions which grave lawyers might think it beneath their dignity to put.

I shall be guided, in what I do next, by the answers I receive.

And I shall not be discouraged, no matter what difficulties are thrown in my way.

Those are my plans, uncle, so far as I know them now." The vicar and Benjamin looked at each other as if they doubted the evidence of their own senses.

The vicar spoke.
"Do you mean to tell me," he said, "that you are going roaming about the country to throw yourself on the mercy of strangers, and to risk whatever rough reception you may get in the course of your travels?
You! A young woman! Deserted by your husband! With nobody to protect you! Mr.
Benjamin, do you hear her?
And can you believe your ears?
I declare to Heaven _I_ don't know whether I am awake or dreaming.