He caught her hands and pressed them to his breast.
"My dear, I would take you without a single penny."
"And that is the way in which you will have to take her," said Frances drily, "unless you consent to my demands."
"I leave that to Ida," said Towton, once more stiff and military. "Leave what to me?" asked Ida, looking from one to the other. Frances turned to her in a business-like way. "The property my brother has made over to me is mortgaged and I am penniless. If you marry the Colonel I lose your society and also the chance of being your companion at a certain wage. To make amends I ask for ten thousand pounds."
"You shall have it, of course,' said Ida promptly.
"Will you sign this document giving it to me?" asked Miss Hest pulling a sheet of paper out of her pocket.
"At once, if you will give me pen and ink."
The two women went towards a table upon which stood what was required. Apparently Frances had made all necessary preparations to get the money. "You can give me a cheque also. Here is the book," she said eagerly.
"Ida, Ida! Are you wise in doing this?" warned the Colonel, following.
"Yes," said the girl rapidly signing her name and without even reading the document. "I want to marry you and be rid of Frances."