“I must, Harry. You must act, and decisively.”

“What do you mean?”

“Either you must raise money at once, and go right away from here—”

He looked up sharply.

“No, I do not mean that,” she said sadly. “I will not leave you till you are fit to leave; but you must either act as I advise at once, or I shall do what I think best.”

“What do you mean?”

“Write to our father to come and help us, for you are too weak and broken down to protect me.”

“Louie!” he cried excitedly; “I am not so weak as you think. I will act; I will take your advice.”

“And get rid of this Mr Pradelle?”

“Anything you like, Louie, only don’t let them know at home—yet, and don’t leave me. If you did I should break down at once.”