‘That’s just what I can’t do. It’s as much a mystery to me as to you—her wishing to earn money.’
‘I was going to say—if you would only explain your intentions as to the future—’
‘My intentions will depend entirely on what I hear from your niece. I shall see her as soon as possible. Perhaps you can tell me at what hour she returns from business?’
‘No, I can’t. I wish you would talk a little longer.’
His eyes flashed angrily.
‘Mrs. Damerel, I have said all that I am willing to say. What you have heard is partly true; you probably won’t have to wait very long for the rest of the story, but I have no time and no inclination to tell it. Go and see your niece to-morrow by all means,—or her guardians, if it seems necessary.
‘I am very sorry we are parting in this way.’
‘You must remember how difficult it is to keep one’s temper under certain kinds of accusation.’
‘I don’t accuse you.’
‘Well, then, to explain calmly that one couldn’t commit this or that sordid rascality;—it comes to the same thing. However, I am obliged to you for opening my eyes. I have got into a very foolish position, and I promise you I will get out of it as quickly as may be.’