'And the frantic proceeding made me happy! For an hour or two I behaved as if I loved the girl with all my soul. And afterwards I was still happy. I walked up and down my bedroom, making plans for the future—for her education, and so on. I saw all sorts of admirable womanly qualities in her. I was in love with her, and there's an end of it!'
Munden mused for a while, then laid down his pipe.
'Remarkably suggestive, Shergold, the name of the street in which you have been living. Well, you don't go back there?'
'No. I have come to my senses. I shall go to an hotel for to-night, and send presently for all my things.'
'To be sure, and on Saturday—or on Friday evening, if you like, we leave
England.'
It was evident that Shergold rejoiced with trembling.
'But I can't stick to the lie.' he said. 'I shall compensate the girl. You see, by running away I make confession that there's something wrong. I shall see a solicitor and put the matter into his hands.'
'As you please. But let the solicitor exercise his own discretion as to damages.'
'Damages!' Shergold pondered the word. 'I suppose she won't drag me into court—make a public ridicule of me? If so, there's an end of my hopes. I couldn't go among people after that.'
'I don't see why not. But your solicitor will probably manage the affair.
They have their methods,' Munden added drily.