and he and his wife will take charge of you

"Tom Watterly's hotel is the only place for her," said the policeman with a nod. "Oh, I can't go to a hotel." "He means the almshouse," explained the sergeant. "What is your name?" "Alida--that's all now.  Yes, I'm a pauper and I can't work just yet.  I'll be safe there, won't I?" "Certainly, safe as in your mother's house." "Oh, mother, mother; thank God, you are dead!" "Well, I AM sorry for you," said the sergeant kindly. "'Taint often we have so sad a case as yours.  If you say so, I'll send for Tom Watterly, and he and his wife will take charge of you.  After a few days, your mind will get quieter and clearer, and then you'll prosecute the man who wronged you." "I'll go to the poorhouse until I can do better," she replied wearily. "Now, if you please, I'll return to my cell where I can be alone." "Oh, we can give you a better room than that," said the sergeant. "Show her into the waiting room, Tim.  If you prosecute, we can help you with our testimony.  Goodbye, and may you have better days!" Watterly was telegraphed to come down with a conveyance for the almshouse was in a suburb.  In due time he appeared, and was briefly told Alida's story.  He swore a little at the "mean cuss," the author of all the trouble, and then took the stricken woman to what all his acquaintances facetiously termed his "hotel." Chapter 11 Baffled In the general consciousness Nature is regarded as feminine, and even those who love her most will have to adopt Mrs. Mumpson's oft-expressed opinion of the sex and admit that she is sometimes a "peculiar female."  During the month of March, in which our story opens, there was scarcely any limit to her varying moods.  It would almost appear that she was taking a mysterious interest in Holcroft's affairs; but whether it was a kindly interest or not, one might be at a loss to decide.  When she caught him away from home, she pelted him with the coldest of rain and made his house, with even Mrs. Mumpson and Jane abiding there, seem a refuge.