"It would make no difference; still, when it's done you can tell him. I like everything above board, don't you?"
"Above board" was the last thing suitable for his position. The lawyer did not answer.
"I'll go and get a mouthful to eat, Mr. Staines, arguing with you has made me so hungry, and then I'll come back and sign."
"Give me discretion to keep a sufficiency for——"
"Yes—and if it's too much I can come again, but, gracious stars! it's enough to stifle a poor girl having to decide all these questions. Half an hour will do for a preliminary canter, won't it, and make it sure."
Toney departed and took a cab to Lyons' Restaurant, Piccadilly. All the time she looked out at the passers-by. By a bare chance she might see Lewis Waycott walking about, and she would just nod a last good-bye. What would he say to her action? She didn't know, but she believed he would say "Quite right, Toney, much better secure it for these people."
Of course he was the only man who would not reproach her! Her heart felt lighter.
The Lyons made her think still more of Lewis' lions! She ordered some tea and hot toast to try and get him out of her thoughts, but she felt terribly lonely in the big place so full of people going and coming. It was like a miniature world full of persons thinking of their own concerns or their own comfort. For the first time she began to appreciate the lonely park at Aldersfield. It was this busy world that oppressed her now. Was she changing? She who had jostled against so many persons, and who had been afraid of nothing.
She felt better after her tea and jumped into a hansom again, to return to Mr. Staines. How glad she would be when the deed of gift was done and signed.
Once more she stood in the private room. Mr. Staines looked really distressed.