‘Listen,’ he said. ‘I am going on a desperate errand to-night, I can’t tell you everything, and Bess has no idea how much depends on this interview. If I fail, it will be necessary for me to get away for awhile. I can’t drag her through the perils I shall have to encounter.’
The young man’s manner was so solemn, that old Marks was alarmed.
‘Oh, Master George, what do you mean?’ he exclaimed nervously.
‘I can’t tell you. I only want you to promise me this. If I fail, I shall leave the place at once, for a time. I want you to guard my poor girl for a time, till I can make a home for her elsewhere. Promise me!’
‘I promise. But you are exaggerating, Master George. The squire won’t be cruel. I am sure he will forgive you.’
‘I don’t know; he may not. If he doesn’t, I am a penniless beggar. I can starve, but she can’t. You won’t turn her out?’
‘Turn her out? I’m her father, Master George.’
The young man pointed to the hall.
‘The man who lives there is mine, but he drove me out of my home.’
‘You went of your own accord.’