"You have something to tell me," she said.
"Something rather unpleasant, I'm afraid," he murmured in reply. "And yet, after all, looked straight in the face, it is not very much. I meant to have told you before, but I've been putting it off from day to day. The fact is, Esther, I'm going away with the luggers the day after to-morrow for a month."
"You—going—away—and—for—a month! Oh, Cuthbert!"
It was the first real parting since their marriage, and the news came as an unpleasant shock to her. But Esther knew she must be brave, and not try to hinder him from what was evidently his duty. Calling Mrs. Fenwick out to the veranda, she gave the child to her; then, taking her husband's arm, she went with him down the path towards the shore.
"It is weak of me to think I can expect to keep you with me always," she said, when they had gone a little way. "But baby and I will miss you dreadfully."
"It must be, darling. You see, I must work now even harder than before."
"Why must you? We are doing well enough as it is, surely?"
"Yes, things have improved, certainly; but while that loan hangs over me I shall know no peace. It haunts me night and day. You would not have me idle my time away here on the strength of that money, would you?"
"Of course not. But I fear whatever you did, I should think right."
"Forgive my doubting that assertion. I'm certain, darling, if you saw me idle, even your love would not be above telling me so."