Chapter VII

Thus far, the information which I had received from Mrs. Clements, though it established facts

of which I had not previously been aware, was of a preliminary character only.

It was clear that the series of deceptions which had removed Anne Catholic to London and

separated her from Mrs. Clements had been accomplished solely by Count Fosco and the Countess,

and the question whether any part of the conduct of husband or wife had been of a kind to place

either of them within reach of the law might be well worthy of future consideration.

But the purpose I had now in view led me in another direction than this.

The immediate object of my visit to Mrs. Clements was to make some approach at least to the

discovery of Sir Percival's secret, and she had said nothing is yet which advanced me

on my way to that important end.

I felt the necessity of trying to awaken her recollections of other times, persons and

events, than those on which her memory had hitherto been employed.

And when I next spoke, I spoke with that object indirectly in view.

I wish I could be of any help to you in this sad calamity I said.

All I can do is to feel heartily for your distress.

If Anne had been your own child, Mrs. Clements, you could have shown her no true or kindness.

You could have made no ready or sacrifices for her sake.

There is no great merit in that, Sir, said Mrs. Clements simply.

The poor thing was as good as my own child to me.

I nursed her from a baby, Sir, bringing her up by hand, and a hard job it was to rear

her.

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