There was the best part of an hour before her train left for London, so she went into the restaurant and ordered a chop.
When she came out the platform was already crowded, although there was still a quarter of an hour to wait. She was strung up and impatient, and the time seemed an eternity to her. At last the train was signalled and the bell rang. She stood beside the porter who was carrying her things. Suddenly she drew back with an exclamation of terror. There, on the platform before her, showing himself boldly to the world, was Jabez!
CHAPTER XVII.
A ROMAN FATHER.
"Do you mean to tell me you are actually engaged to that penniless scamp," raged Dr. Marsh, bringing his fist down on the table.
"For Heaven's sake, George, take care of the china," implored his wife; "four cups already are broken, and it's so difficult to match this——"
"Answer me, Hilda!"
The young girl raised her head, in no wise daunted by the paternal wrath.
"If Gerald were not poor, he would not be so much of a scamp in your eyes, father," she said bitterly. "Engaged?—I am not so much engaged but that I can be quickly disengaged. I have only to tell Gerald you refuse your consent and the reason, play the part of a dutiful daughter generally, and the thing's settled, or rather unsettled."