“Richard,” she cried, passionately, catching him by the arm, “you would not be so mad.”
“I shall be so honest,” he said.
“What, give up—give up everything to Humphrey?”
“Everything,” he said, coldly, “and at once.”
“You’re mad—mad!” gasped Mrs Lloyd. “And after all I have done for you—to make you a gentleman.”
“These are its effects,” he said, bitterly. “You made me a gentleman—I wish to act as one.”
“But, Richard—think—your father—your old mother—we shall be turned out in disgrace—to starve,” she cried, piteously.
“Mother, I cannot help the disgrace,” he said, coldly. “I would save you if I could, but the disgrace would be greater to keep up this horrible imposture.”
“Hush!” she whispered, “the servants will soon be down—they may hear us. Oh, you cannot mean, Richard, what you say.”
“I told Humphrey yesterday,” continued Richard, “that I begged he would care for you; but that is only for the present. As soon as I can find means to earn my bread, I will keep you both myself; so that you shall be spared the disgrace of taking alms from the man you wronged.”