So, papa dear, as we want a good, trustworthy woman in the house, and Sarah was with us so long, and knew our ways so well, I arranged for her to come back.
Claude!
Yes, dear; and these years of her married life, and the sad end, will be to her like a mournful dream.
I
Norman Gartram made an angry gesture, but Claudes arms stole round his neck, her lips pressed his as she half lay upon his breast, and with the tears gently falling and hanging like pearls in his grisly beard, she said in a low, sweet voice,
And some day, father dear, at the last, as she thinks of what an asylum this has been to her, she will go down to her grave blessing your name for all the good that you have done, and this will make me very happy, dear, and so it will you.
There was a long silence in the room, and Norman Gartrams face began to grow less rugged. It was as if there was something of the same look as that in his childs, when, with a tender kiss upon his brow, she left his arms and half playfully whispered,
Am I to go and send Sarah Woodham away?
No, he said hastily, as his old look returned; you are as bad as your poor, dear mother, every bit. No, he cried, with an angry flush. I wont do that, though. Not a farthing of my money shall go towards paying for that mans funeral.
Father, dear
Papa.
Then papa, dear, said Claude quietly, I have paid everything connected with poor Woodhams funeral.
You have?
Yes; you are very generous to me with money, and I had plenty to do that.
Yes; and stinted yourself in clothes. You dont dress half well enough. Well, there, its done now, and we cant alter it. I suppose these people will think it was my doing.
Yes, dear.
Of course. Well, as to this woman, keep her and nurse and pamper her, and pay her the largest wages you can; and mark my words, my pet, shell turn round and worry us for what we have done.
I have no fear, dear. I know Sarah Woodham too well, and I can do anything I like with her.
Yes, as you can with me, you hussy, he cried. Duke King why, Im like water with you, Claude. But, he cried, shaking a finger at her, there are things, though, in which I mean to have my way.
Claude flushed up, and a hard look came into her eyes.
But no more was said then.
Volume One Chapter Ten. Denise
Train my boy. Saw in the shipping news that The Fair Star was lying in Danmouth. Felt a bit seedy, and knew that you would give me a berth aboard, and here I am.
So I see.
Well, dont be so gloriously glad, dear boy. Dont go out of your mind and embrace me. I hate to be kissed by a man; its so horribly French.
Dont be a fool.
Certainly not; but you seemed to be in such raptures to meet me that I was obliged to protest.
Now, look here, Gellow, its not of the slightest use for you to hunt me about the country. I have no money, and I cant pay.
I never said a single word about money, dear boy.
No; but you look money, and think money, and smell of money. Good heavens, man, why dont you dress like a gentleman, and not come down to the seaside like the window of a pawnbrokers shop?
Dress like a gentleman, sir? Why, I am dressed like a gentleman. These are real diamond studs, sir. First water. Rings, chain, watch, everything of the very best. Never catch me wearing sham. Look at those cuff studs. As fine emeralds as youd see.
Bah! Why dont you wear a diamond collar, and a crown. I believe youd like to hang yourself in chains.
My dear Glyddyr, how confoundedly nasty you can be to the best friend you have in the world.
Best enemy; you are always hunting me for money.
Yes; and going back poorer. You are such a one to wheedle a fresh loan.
Yes; at a hundred per cent.
Tchah! Nonsense! But, I say, nothing wrong about the lady, is there?
Hold your tongue, and mind your own business.
Well, that is my business, you reckless
come to help you.
Come to ruin me, you mean.
Wrong. I have my cheque book in my pocket, and if you want a few hundreds to carry on the war, here they are.
At the old rate, sneered Glyddyr.
No, my dear fellow. I must have a little more. The risk is big.
Yes. Might fail, and blow out my brains.
Ex-actly! How I do like this country cream.
Glyddyr threw himself into his seat with a crash.
That was all a metaphor, he said bitterly.
What was, dear boy?
About the Devil and Dr Faustus.
Of course it was. Why?
Faustus was some poor devil hard up, and the other was not a devil at all, but a confounded money-lender. It was a bill Faustus accepted, not a contract.
I daresay you are right, Glyddyr. Have a drop of brandy? Eh? No? Well, theres nothing like a chasse with a good breakfast, and this is really prime.
Well, Ill grin and bear it till Im free, said Glyddyr. You want to know how I am getting on. You need not stay.
But I want a change, and I can help you, perhaps.
Youll queer the whole affair if you stay here. Once it is so much as suspected that I am not as well off as I was
That you are an utter beggar I mean a rum beggar.
Do you want me to wring your neck?