His features were distorted; he stared wrathfully.
"And you have left her with him? Where is she?"
"She is quite safe in my sitting-room--the key turned to protect
her. He, too, is in the house, in another room. I have gained time;
I"----
He could not listen.
"How did it happen?--You had no right to leave her alone with him!
--How has he found her?"
"Please don't eat me up, Mr. Quarrier I have been doing my very best
for you."
And she told him the story of the morning as briefly as possible.
Her endeavour to keep a tone of perfect equanimity failed in the
course of the narrative; once or twice there was a catching in her
breath, and, as if annoyed with herself, she made an impatient
gesture.
"And this fellow," cried Quarrier, when she ceased, imagines that I
am at his mercy! Let him do what he likes--let him go into the
market-place and shout his news!--We'll go back at once."
"You are prepared, then, to have this known all over Polterham?"
Mrs. Wade asked, looking steadily at him.
"I don't care a jot! Let the election go to the devil! Do you think
I will submit Lily to a day of such torture? This very evening we go
to London. How does she bear it?"
"Very well indeed."
"Like a brave, good girl! Do you think I would weigh the chance of
election against her misery?"
"It seems to me," was the cold answer, "that you have done so
already.
Pages:
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287