He began to cast things into the portmanteau, and as he did so he proceeded, without a single glance at Hilda:
"You'll be all right for money and so on. But I should advise you to leave here and not to come back any sooner than you can help. That's the best thing you can do. And be Hilda Lessways again!... Sarah will have to manage this place as best she can. Fortunately, her health's improved. She can make it pay very well if she likes. It's a handsome living for her. My deposit on the Chichester and so on will have to be forfeited."
"And you?" she murmured.
His back was towards her. He turned his head, looked at her enigmatically for an instant, and resumed his packing.
She desired to help him with the packing, she desired to show him some tenderness; her heart was cleft in two with pity; but she could not move; some harshness of pride or vanity prevented her from moving.
When he had carelessly finished the portmanteau, he strode to the door, opened it wide, and called out in a loud, firm voice:
"Louisa!"
A reply came weakly from the top floor:
"Yes, sir."
"I want you." He had a short way with Louisa.