And she was, without unnecessary delay.
Thus Herbert Larkins lost his protectress just when his fortune seemed close at hand. The cup was dashed away just before he had lifted it to his lips, with consequences which were by no means pleasant to himself, as will be seen in the next chapter.
[CHAPTER IV.]
TAKING THE SHILLING.
Herbert Larkins was in the class-room when he was summoned to see a gentleman who had called.
‘I come from Lady Farrington,’ said his visitor, rather abruptly.
He was a tall, dark-eyed man, with a sinister look upon his face.
‘She is well, I hope? Nothing has happened? I half expected her to-day or to-morrow.’
‘She is well, but she cannot come here, and wishes you to go to her at once. You are aware, no doubt—’