"And—and——" She could not speak.
"Oh, yes; I gave it him, and he said——Well, he looked broken up over it; quite broken up. He said—let me see; I didn't pay very much attention because I thought he'd write to you and see you. They generally wind up that way, after a quarrel, don't they?"
"It does not matter. No, I have not seen or heard," said Nell.
"Well, he said: 'Tell her that it's quite true.' Dashed if I know what he meant! And that he wouldn't worry you, but would obey you and not write or see you. I think that was all."
It was enough. If the faintest spark of hope had been left to glow in Nell's bosom, Drake's message extinguished it.
Her head dropped for a moment, then she looked up bravely.
"It was what I expected, Dick. It—was like him. No, no; don't speak; don't say any more about it. And you'll stay, Dick? Lady Wolfer will be glad to see you. They are all so kind to me, and——"
"I'm so glad to hear that," said Dick; "because if they hadn't been I should have insisted upon your going home. But I suppose they really are kind, and don't starve you, though you are so thin."
"It's the London air, or want of air," said Nell. "And mamma, does she"—she faltered wistfully—"miss me?"