Out of her sphere - University Library

112 OUT OF HER SPHERE.
Clare promised slie would not, and went
her way. She posted her letter. It was
too important to be trusted in the hands
of either butcher or baker to do so ; and,
besides, they would wonder why she was
writing to the Mayor. Then she took a
little turn by the sea side, and the keen
east wind seemed to have a wonderful
effect in freshening her intellect and streng-
thening her nerves, for she came back to the
sick room with her plans pretty well
matured, and took her place by the window,
as usual, feeling quite satisfied that what
she had done that morning would be likely
to set such an investigation afoot as might
make Audley Dale repent the manner in
which he had met her claims.
Indeed the note she had written pro-
duced something of the effect that a bomb-
shell might have done, thrown into a peace-
ful town. Of course Mrs. Thornton s disap-
pearance, and Mr. Thornton's illness, had