“No, no, no, dearest; we have everything if we have your love, and my dear husband glides from the past misery into a life of happiness.”
“Well, I think we are doing pretty well,” he said with a laugh that sent a shudder through the suffering woman; he was so changed.
“I want to speak to you about Mr Crellock.”
“Well, what about him? Make haste; it’s getting late, and I’m tired.”
“Robert, we have made a mistake in having this man here.”
Hallam seemed perfectly sober, and he frowned.
“I would not mind if you wished him to be here, love,” she said, with her voice sounding sweetly pure and entreating; “but he is not a suitable companion for our Julia.”
“Stop there,” said Hallam, sharply.
“No, no, darling; let me speak—this time,” said Mrs Hallam, entreatingly. “I know it was out of the genuine goodness and pity of your heart that you opened your door to him. Now you have done all you need, let him go.”
Hallam shook his head.