“Don’t you trouble yourself to reply. I know my way about. It is true I have been most imprudent, but I will repair the evil. Oh! Mrs. Bourne—Hester I used to call you—be of good cheer; do not give way to despair. I can see my way out of this business.”
“But how? Tell me how.”
“Never you mind. Leave it to me.”
“I cannot possibly do otherwise now.”
“Very good, then rest satisfied. I think I can see through his little caper. I never liked him—now I hate and despise him, ’specially after what you have said. I’ll do him yet as dead as a nail. But——”
“But what? Do you want my assistance?”
“In what way? You can’t render me any.”
“I mean as far as money is concerned.”
“I don’t care to take money from you. Still a trifle would be of service. I can return it you at some future time.”