Money, I
fear, there is none, unless my mother has any. Send the servants to bed,
and do this when all is quiet. I am liable to be arrested for debt, and
do not know when it may or may not take place. Have a cab to-morrow
morning, and send my mother to the station; then take Minette, at your
usual hour, through the park to Hyde Park Corner. Start about ten. I
will meet you. I must not stay here to-night; indeed, I must not stay
longer.'
Netta threw her arms round Howel's neck, and entreated him not to leave
her.
'Netta, don't be a fool! You don't want to ruin me, do you?'
Netta withdrew her arms, and stood like a statue before Howel.
'You needn't look so frightened? it will be all right in a few weeks.
To-morrow at ten, remember.'
Howel kissed her, and again left the house.
Poor Netta set about the work that was appointed her mechanically. First
of all, however, she went into her mother-in-law's room, and assisted
her to pack. Mrs Griffey was by turns indignant, alarmed, and sorrowful;
but finding that she must depart, and that some real difficulty existed,
she made no further resistance. Seeing that Netta had literally no
money, she gave her a ten-pound note, under a faithful promise that she
would not transfer it to Howel.
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