"So you are dismissed! Well, I'm sorry for that. I thought you were well provided for. I can't help you. But I won't bother you. I'm going off to America, to make a fresh start—that's really why I came down here. I want some money, Miriam."
"I can only give you twenty pounds," said the girl, feeling in her pocket "Here it is in gold. I knew you would want some."
"Lord, is that all?"
"Yes, Jabez. It is every pound that I have—it is the remains of the cheque Mr. Barton gave me to buy my outfit when I came here."
"Well, I'll take it, but it's little enough," he grumbled, slipping the purse into his pocket "I suppose I'll get to America somehow."
"Oh, dear, do take care of yourself—perhaps I shall never see you again. I feel so terribly alone, Jabez, and when you are gone——"
She burst into tears almost uncontrollable.
"Come, keep up your pecker, old girl—you'll be all right. Why don't you fix it up with the old man?"
"Ugh!"
Miriam's ejaculation expressed the greatest loathing.