"Would you have me betray my trust?" said Robinson. "Would you esteem me the more because I had deceived my partners? If you think that I am to earn your love in that way, you know but little of George Robinson." Then he got up, preparing to leave the room, for his feelings were too many for him.
"Stop, George, stop," said Mr. Brown.
"Let him go," said Maryanne.
"If he goes away now I shall think him as hard as Adam," said Mrs. Poppins.
"There's three to one again him," said Mr. Poppins to himself. "What chance can he have?" Mr. Poppins may probably have gone through some such phase of life himself.
"Let him go," said Maryanne again. "I wish he would. And then let him never show himself here again."
"George Robinson, my son, my son!" exclaimed the old man.
It must be understood that Robinson had heard all this, though he had left the room. Indeed, it may be surmised that had he been out of hearing the words would not have been spoken. He heard them, for he was still standing immediately beyond the door, and was irresolute whether he would depart or whether he would return.
"George Robinson, my son, my son!" exclaimed the old man again.
"He shall come back!" said Mrs. Poppins, following him out of the door. "He shall come back, though I have to carry him myself."