“But you can’t settle matters quietly with an organ-grinder, Charley. Look here, my plan is simple. I’ll get Maude away, then it’s a question of pounds, shillings, and pence.”
“In any case then, from respect to your sister, let the affair be arranged quietly.”
“Very well,” said Tom, sulkily.
“You will let me go first—say, to prepare her for your coming?”
“No. I’ll go.”
“You do not wish to inflict pain upon the poor girl?”
“No. I want her home again, and free from this degrading tie.”
“But suppose—”
“No, no—don’t say that, Charley, old fellow. You couldn’t look over it. Impossible now, old chap. Poor Maudey, she’ll have to be like a widow to her very end. There: we shall have the old woman here directly.”
“Then you’ll let me go and prepare your sister?”