“Hush, hush. Get me some food and dry clothes.”
“Go to my room. You are safer there.”
He slipped up the familiar stair, and Elizabeth soon followed him. “Here is wine and sweet-bread. I cannot get into the pantry or call for food without arousing remark. Antony, what is the matter?”
“I am ruined. Eltham and those Darraghs together have done it.”
“Thank God! I feared something worse.”
“There is worse. I have forged two notes. Together they make nearly L19,000. The first falls due in three days. I have no hope of redeeming it. I am going to the other end of the world. I am glad to go, for I am sick of every thing here. I’ll do well yet. You will help me, Elizabeth?”
She could not answer him.
“For our father’s sake, for our mother’s sake, you must help me away. It will be transportation for life. O, sister, give me another chance. I will put the wrong all right yet.”
By this time she had gathered her faculties together.
“Yes, I’ll help you, dear. Lie down and rest. I will go to Martha. I can trust the Cravens. Is it Liverpool you want to reach?”