James hurried into the Aleford Square, and turned right by the statue of The King. He ran through the gate surrounding the Thorn estate, and up to the front door. There he pounded on the door frantically. The maid opened it with a cautious look on her face.

“Oh it’s just you Master James. I was beginning to get anxious as to when you’d come home.” Just then she noticed the girl in James arms, and her entire countenance fell. “I see you’ve brought company sir. I’ll inform your father.”

“No need Lily. I’ll tell him.” James responded smiling. Where is my father?”

“He’s drinking his Sherry in the study sir.” The maid said solemnly.

James ran into the study and called out “Father! We must help this girl. Something terrible has happened to her!”

His father rose from his chair to face James. Though as soon as he saw the girl, he grew very pale. “I can’t do anything for that one James.”

“Why not father?” James asked growing upset.

“Because,” Jeremiah Thorn answered, “I did that to her.”