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  GREAT PORTER SQUARE:
  A MYSTERY.

  BY
  B. L. FARJEON,
  _Author of "Grif," "London's Heart," "The House of White
  Shadows," etc._

  _IN THREE VOLUMES._
  VOLUME III.

  LONDON:
  WARD AND DOWNEY,
  12, YORK STREET, COVENT GARDEN.
  1885.
  [ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.]




  PRINTED BY
  KELLY AND CO., GATE STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS
  AND KINGSTON-ON-THAMES.




CONTENTS.


   CHAP.                                                        PAGE
     XXXI.--Becky gives a description of an interview between
             herself and Richard Manx                              1

    XXXII.--In which Becky narrates how Fanny became acquainted
             with Mrs. Lydia Holdfast                             15

   XXXIII.--In which Becky narrates how Fanny became
             acquainted with Mrs. Lydia Holdfast (concluded)      24

    XXXIV.--Mr. Pelham makes his appearance once more             31

     XXXV.--Fanny discovers who Richard Manx is                   45

    XXXVI.--Becky and Fanny on the watch                          55

   XXXVII.--No. 119 Great Porter Square is let to a new Tenant    71

  XXXVIII.--The new Tenant takes possession of No. 119 Great
             Porter Square                                        87

    XXXIX.--Mrs. Holdfast insists on becoming an active partner  113

       XL.--Mrs. Holdfast insists on becoming an active partner
             (concluded)                                         118

      XLI.--Frederick Holdfast makes the discovery               134

     XLII.--Mr. Holdfast's Diary                                 147

    XLIII.--Mr. Holdfast's Diary (concluded)                     177

     XLIV.--Caged                                                207

      XLV.--Retribution                                          218

     XLVI.--In which the "Evening Moon" gives a Sequel to its
             "Romance in Real Life"                              224




GREAT PORTER SQUARE: A MYSTERY.




CHAPTER XXXI.

BECKY GIVES A DESCRIPTION OF AN INTERVIEW BETWEEN HERSELF AND RICHARD
MANX.


MY DEAREST LOVE--How, did you like my little messenger, Fanny? Is she
not steady, and bright, and clever? When she woke this morning I had an
earnest conversation with her, and as far as was necessary I told her my
plans and that I wanted her faithful assistance. She cried for joy. The
few words she managed to get out convinced me that, child as she is,
I could not be better served by a grown-up person. Besides, I want a
child to assist me; a grown-up person might spoil my plans. In what way?
Patience, my dear, patience.

Mrs. Preedy noticed that I looked tired, and I told her that I had been
kept awake all the night with toothache. She expressed great sympathy
with me. It is wonderful the position I hold in the house; I am treated
more like a lady than a servant. That is because I have lent my mistress
forty pounds, and have agreed to pay for little Fanny's board and
lodging. Mrs. Preedy threw out a hint about taking me into partnership,
if I would invest my fancied legacy into the business.

"We could keep on this house," she said, "and take another on the other
side of the Square."

I said it was worth thinking about, but that, of course, I could do
nothing until I received the whole amount of the legacy which would be
in three weeks' time. So the matter rests; during these three weeks Mrs.
Preedy will be very gracious to me, I expect. She said this morning,
when I told her about my toothache,

"You had better lay down, my dear."

Actually! "My dear!"

I did lie down, and I had a good rest, so that my keeping up all night
did not hurt me. I feel now quite refreshed, although it is night, and
eleven o'clock. Mrs. Preedy, as usual, is out gossiping with Mrs. Beale,
and I am writing in the kitchen. When she comes home I shall continue my
letter in my bedroom. I have much to tell you. Things seem to move on
rapidly. I have no doubt that in a very short time something important
will