Upon these thoughts she struck, so naturally that it seemed they were unconsciously communicating in their minds.
"We must set up a post office, Lawrence, where the letters won't need stamps; and for the minute I'd be glad if you could give me a few shillings for pocket-money. I've got a hatred now of Bamsey money and the five shillings a week Mrs. Bamsey gives me, because foster-father's past doing it himself. And I've told them that I'm not going to take any of his money in the future. I've told them very clear about that and I mean it."
"I'm glad you have. But they won't agree."
"So they say; but I shall be far ways off, beyond their reach or knowledge, long before then. And Jane knows clearly I won't touch it."
Maynard brought out a little leathern purse and gave Dinah the contents—some thirty shillings.
She thanked him and assured him that would be enough. They parted soon afterwards and arranged to meet once more, on a date a fortnight hence, in late evening, at a certain gate not above a mile from Green Hayes.
"I may have something to tell you by then," she said, "and I'll find a post office. It'll be a year till I see you again."
He took a lingering leave of her and was moved by a last word she spoke at parting.
"We never get no time to love each other," she said, "'tis all hard, hateful talk and plotting. But we'll make up to each other some day."
Then he went his way, leaving her to develop her secret determination.