“Let’s go and see,” whispered Hopper.
“Stop a moment,” said Dick, frowning; and, getting up, he opened the door that led upstairs, when a low whispering was plainly heard from above.
Dick shut the door quickly, and turned to his wife.
“Mother,” he said huskily, “I wouldn’t have believed this if I’d been told. Did you know of it?”
“No, dear—no,” she cried agitatedly. “But pray—stop. What are you going to do?”
“Put an end to it!” he cried fiercely. “My gal’s going to be a lady; and do you think I’m going to let her be the talk of the town?”
“Don’t do anything rash, Dick, old chap,” said Hopper, laying his hand upon the other’s arm.
“Rash!” cried Dick, bitterly. “I’ve been waiting for prosperity to come all my life; but, curse it, give me poverty again, if riches are to be like this.”
A complete change seemed to have come over the man, as he darted to the door and swung it open, just as there was the rush of rapid footsteps along the paved court, and he ran off in pursuit; while Mrs Shingle and Hopper followed.
They met Dick at the entrance, coming back panting; and he motioned them into the house, and closed the door.