“Not think of it?” she said sternly.
“For your own sake: no.”
“You say this to me, Christie Bayle?”
“Yes, to you; and if I must bring forward a stronger argument—for your child’s sake you must not go.”
A look that was half joy, half grief, flashed from Julia’s eyes; and Mrs Hallam looked to her, and took her hand firmly in her own.
“Will you tell me why, Mr Bayle?” she said sternly.
“I could not. I dare not,” he said firmly. “Believe me, though, when I tell you this. As your friend—as Julia’s protector, almost foster-father—knowing what I do, I have mastered everything possible, from the Government minutes and despatches, respecting the penal settlement out there. It is no place for two tender women. Mrs Hallam, it is impossible for you to go.”
“Again I ask you why?” said Mrs Hallam sternly.
“I cannot—I dare not paint to you what you would have to go through,” said Bayle almost fiercely.
“Mrs Hallam,” said Sir Gordon, coming to his aid; “what he says is right. Believe me too. You cannot: you must not go.”