“I mustn't, really,” cried her brother laughing. “And I must not talk to you any more. You are much too sharp. I feel a responsibility about it; and, besides, I must really do some work.”
“It Is very unkind of you,” said Laura, pouting. “But I must put my things on, for I go into Birmingham by the 1.20.”
“To Birmingham?”
“Yes, I have a hundred things to order. There is everything to be got. You men forget about these details. Raffles wishes to have the wedding in little more than a fortnight. Of course it will be very quiet, but still one needs something.”
“So early as that!” said Robert, thoughtfully. “Well, perhaps it is better so.”
“Much better, Robert. Would it not be dreadful if Hector came back first and there was a scene? If I were once married I should not mind. Why should I? But of course Raffles knows nothing about him, and it would be terrible if they came together.”
“That must be avoided at any cost.”
“Oh, I cannot bear even to think of it. Poor Hector! And yet what could I do, Robert? You know that it was only a boy and girl affair. And how could I refuse such an offer as this? It was a duty to my family, was it not?”
“You were placed in a difficult position—very difficult,” her brother answered. “But all will be right, and I have no doubt Hector will see it as you do. But does Mr. Spurling know of your engagement?”
“Not a word. He was here yesterday, and talked of Hector, but indeed I did not know how to tell him. We are to be married by special licence in Birmingham, so really there is no reason why he should know. But now I must hurry or I shall miss my train.”