"Are you regretting our hasty step?" he asked her abruptly.
"Why should you think so?" Anstice inquired.
"I don't think about it. I asked out of mere curiosity."
"Well, if I did, and if I ever do, I shall never tell you," said Anstice quietly.
There was silence, then Justin said:
"I find I shall have to leave early to-morrow morning, for I have business to do in Carlisle before I sail; so this is our last opportunity for any conversation. You will find your cheque book in the writing-table drawer in my smoking-room. I have placed two thousand to the credit of your account at the Bank in Penrith. Make any improvements in the house and garden that you feel desirable—I give you carte blanche to do as you like in my absence. You can send me a letter every month if you like, and of course cable out if anything alarming occurs."
"To the high seas?" asked Anstice, smiling.
"Oh, well, I will give you the address of my first, landing-place. Is there anything you want to know?"
"I think not, thank you."
How entirely indifferent he was to her welfare! He did not seem to realize what a difficult time she might have. And yet, she reminded herself, that he might consider that matters were evenly balanced. She was being given a home, and enough money to make it thoroughly comfortable; also a certain position as mistress of the Manor. Would not that compensate for loneliness, and constant contentions with unmanageable children?