'I understand your reluctance,' Mrs. Baxendale pursued. 'It's like a surrendering of hope. But you know what I said last night; I could only repeat the same things now. Don't be afraid; I will not.'
'Yes,' he murmured, 'I must go to London.'
'It would be far worse if you had no friend here. You shall hear from me constantly. You have an assurance that the poor thing can't run away.'
In the expressive vulgar phrase, Wilfrid 'shook himself together.' He began to perceive that his attitude lacked dignity; even in our misery we cannot bear to appear ignoble.
'I will leave you to-day,' he said, more like his old self. 'But there are other things that we must speak of. What of Emily's practical position?'
'I don't think we need trouble about that. Mr. Baxendale tells me he has no doubt that the house in Barnhill can be sold at all events for a sum that will leave them at ease for the present. As soon as Mrs. Hood gets better, they must both go away. You can trust me to do what can be done.'
'It is my fear that Emily will find it difficult to accept your kindness.'
'It will require tact. Only experience can show what my course must be.'
'I sincerely hope the house will be sold. Otherwise, the outlook is deplorable.'
'I assure you it will be. My husband does not give up anything he has once put his hand to.'