Idiot--villain!"
"You stab me to the heart," said Ina. "He ran away at sight of me? Ah,
Jesu, pity me! What have I done to him?"
Honest Ashmead had much ado not to blubber at this patient cry of
anguish, though the woman herself shed no tear just then. But his
judgment was undimmed by passion, and he gave her the benefit. "Take my
advice," said he, "and work it this way. Come in a close carriage to the
side street that is nearest the Russie. I'll go in to the hotel and ask
for him by his name--what is his name?"
"Mr. Edward Severne."
"And say that I was afraid to stake his money, but a friend of mine, that
is a bold player, undertook it, and had a great run of luck. 'There is
money owing you,' says I, 'and my friend has brought it.' Then he is sure
to come. You will have your veil down, I'll open the carriage-door, and
tell him to jump in, and, when you have got him you must make him hear
reason. I'll give you a good chance--I'll shut the carriage-door."
Ina smiled at his ingenuity--her first smile that day. "You are indeed a
friend," said she. "He fears reproaches, but, when he finds he is
welcome, he will stay with me; and he shall have money to play with, and
amuse himself how he likes.
Pages:
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235