'I wonder if it is possible to—' A moment after the light died out of her face, and she said:
'But how shall I live? Who will support me? I cannot ask mother for money without awakening suspicion.'
'I think, May, I shall be able to give you almost all the money you want,' replied Alice in a hesitating and slightly embarrassed manner.
'You, Alice?'
'But I haven't told you; I have been writing a good deal lately for newspapers, and have made nearly twenty pounds. That will be all you will want for the present, and I shall be able, I hope, to make sufficient to keep you supplied.'
'I don't think that anyone was ever as good as you, Alice. You make me feel ashamed of myself.'
'I am doing only what anyone else would do if they were called upon. But we have been sitting here a long time now, and before we go back to the tennis-ground we had better arrange what is to be done. When do you propose leaving?'
'I had better leave at once. It is seven months ago now—no one suspects as yet.'
'Well, then, when would you like me to send you the money? You can have it at once if you like.'
'Oh, thanks, dear; mother will give me enough to last me a little while, and I will write to you from Dublin. You are sure no one sees your letters at Brookfield?'