Ryder gave her a very intelligent look, and presently slipped out, and ran into the stable-yard.
At the gate she caught sight of Griffith's horse. What does this quick-witted creature do but send the groom off on that horse, and not on Mrs. Gaunt's.
"Now, Dame," said Griffith, doggedly, "are you better?"
"Ay, I thank you."
"Then listen to me. When you and I set up house together, I had two thousand pounds. I spent it on this house. The house is yours. You told me so, one day, you know."
"Ah, you can remember my faults."
"I remember all, Kate."
"Thank you, at least, for calling me Kate. Well, Griffith, since you abandoned us, I thought, and thought, and thought, of all that might befall you; and I said, 'What will he do for money? My jewels, that you did me the honour to take, would not last you long, I feared. So I reduced my expenses three-fourths at least, and I put by some money for your need."
Griffith looked amazed. "For my need?" said he.
"For whose else? I'll send for it, and place it in your hands—to-morrow."