As long as their secret _could_ be kept, it must.

And Mr.Strafford could not remain at Cacouna.

He had come promptly to the help of the one unfortunate member of his flock, but the little community on the island always felt his absence grievously, and three or four days was the utmost he could spare at a time.

Mrs.
Costello greatly desired to see her husband again, but to do so without Mr.Strafford's presence was a trial from which she shrank, and which he thought there was not sufficient reason for her to undergo.

It was decided therefore that he should make arrangements by which, and by the kindness of the jailer, she should be kept constantly informed of his condition of health, both mental and bodily.