“I understand your meaning,” said Bayle, speaking very slowly. “It is a terrible position for Mr Eaton to be in.”
“Should you oppose it?”
“I have no authority whatever,” said Bayle in the same low, dreamy tone. “If I had, I should never dream of opposing anything that was for Miss Hallam’s good.”
“And it would be, to get her away from such associations, Mr Bayle.”
“Lady Eaton! Lady Eaton!” said the Captain in warning.
“Hush, Jack! pray.”
“Yes,” said Bayle; “it would be for Miss Hallam’s benefit; but it would nearly break her mother’s heart.”
“She would have to make a sacrifice for the sake of the child.”
“Yes,” said Bayle softly. “Another sacrifice;” and then softly to himself, “how long? how long?”
He rose, and was gravely bidding his friends good-bye, when a sharp, quick step was heard, and Eaton came in, coloured like a girl on seeing Bayle, hesitated, and then held out his hand.