"I can't go home yet. I have something to do. I must make up these books."
"But why? There can't be any haste."
"Yes. I shall put them into Yolland's hands and go by the next mail."
"Harold! You promised to stay till Eustace was in good hands."
He laughed harshly. "You have learnt what my promise is worth!"
"Oh Harold! don't. You were cheated and betrayed. They took a wicked advantage of you."
"I knew what I was about," he said, with the same grim laugh at my folly. "What is a man worth who has lost his self-command?"
"He may regain it," I gasped out, for his look and manner frightened me dreadfully.
He made an inarticulate sound of scorn, but, seeing perhaps the distress in my face, he added more gently, "No, Lucy, this is really best; I am not fit to be with you. I have broken my word of honour, and lost all that these months had gained. I should only drag Eustace down if I stayed."
"Why? Oh, why? It was through their deceit. Oh, Harry! there is not such harm done that you cannot retrieve."