“You would have to go too!” said Hallam angrily.
“Oh, no! Don’t make a mistake. I did not bring over the plunder; and not a single note you have changed can be brought home to me. Your leg is in the noose, or in the irons again, if you like it better. No nonsense! Go and see her while I prepare Julia.” Hallam rose, went to the cupboard, poured a quantity of brandy into a tumbler, gulped it down, and went to the drawing-room. Mrs Hallam, who was looking white and hollow of cheek, was seated alone, with Julia, half-way down the garden slope, gazing pensively towards the town.
Mrs Hallam rose quickly, as if in alarm, but Hallam caught her hand, and then softly closed the window, in spite of her weak struggle, as she saw Crellock crossing the garden to where Julia was standing.
“Now, no nonsense!” he said. “There, sit down.”
Mrs Hallam took the chair he led her to, and gazed up at him as if fascinated by his eyes.
“I may as well come to the point at once,” said Hallam. “You know what I said the other night about Crellock?”
“Yes,” she replied hoarsely.
“Well, he wishes it to take place at once, so we may as well get it over.”
“It is impossible!”
“It is not impossible!” he said, flashing into anger. “It is necessary for my comfort and position that the wedding should take place at once.”