When Netta went into the close, dark bedroom at the back of the sitting-room, she took off her sobbing child's things, set her on her lap, and by degrees soothed her to sleep. She laid her on such a bed as she had assuredly never slept on before, and then returned to Howel.
She stood before him pale and resolute. He was pacing the room rapidly, and muttering to himself.
'Howel, I must know all! What is the matter? What is to become of us?' she said.
'We must not be seen by our friends for a time, dear Netta, because I am liable to be arrested. Will you mind staying here a day or two alone? I must go away for a short time on business but will return and remove you when it is settled. You are better here than at home, as everything will be seized. You are in Rowland's parish, if the worst should come to the worst; but I don't want him to know anything about me, as it will be all right again by-and-by.'
'Howel, I asked Captain Dancy not to insist upon that money.'
'You did! That is why he let me off with half for another month. What did he say?'
'He said, Howel, that if I would go to France with him he would forgive your debt.'
'And you, Netta?' Howel clenched his fist.
'And I, Howel? I left the room, and have never seen him since. He called after, but I could not speak to him again. How could I?'
'Netta, will you forgive and try to forget how jealous and unkind I have been? In spite of all, I have loved you, Netta. Oh! if I had not taken you away from your happy home!'