“One must get to Canada, and then look for a post. All I’ve got is thirty pounds.”
“I think I’ve got five pounds,” said Evelyn, and began to laugh, a strange, dreary laugh. “If it wasn’t tragic, it would be humorous! But you mustn’t steal off and leave me. I’m not hard and firm like Agatha; I hate to be alone. If I let you go, you must solemnly promise——”
Her hoarse, trembling voice jarred Kit, and he put his arm round her. “Stop!” he said. “Your mother will hear you. Try for calm!”
Evelyn leaned against him and her body went slack. Kit was flesh and blood, and he kissed her and knew himself conquered. For a few moments she held him fast and then gently pushed him back.
“I’m not afraid, my dear; but if I cannot go with you, I’ll wait until you send for me,” she said, and now her voice was level. “You will mend your fortunes, Kit, and perhaps it won’t be very long——”
“To begin with, I must talk to Mrs. Haigh. I doubt if she’ll consent.”
“Ah,” said Evelyn, “you don’t yet know Mother.”
Kit admitted he had not known Evelyn, and he was ashamed. She was splendidly loyal and although he had not thought her passionate she was passionate. Anyhow she had banished his scruples and given him confidence. For her sake he had tried to be cautious, but he really thought caution shabby. All the same, he did not expect Mrs. Haigh to sympathize.
Evelyn pushed back the long window, and since the ledge was high Kit gave her his hand. She gently urged him forward, and when he stopped and faced Mrs. Haigh she was at his side. Her color was rather high and her eyes sparkled, but although Kit was embarrassed he saw Evelyn was not. Mrs. Haigh looked up and her glance was not at all disturbed.
“Kit thought you ought to know I have promised to marry him as soon as he makes some progress in Canada,” Evelyn said. “Perhaps it looks as if we’re foolish, but Kit is clever and he’s going to be famous.”