“What mercy do you think we shall get from 240 him? You forget he is a prospective bridegroom, and his bride, Dora Dundas, is preparing for her wedding. What will Dora’s action be, do you think, if she knows that Dick is here?”
“Dearest, if she believes him guilty, she will go on with her marriage. The understanding between Dick and Dora was informal. It was not like an engagement. She is engaged to Ormsby, and she will not go back on her word now, though I have grave doubts of the wisdom of allowing her to remain in ignorance of the truth.”
“The girl loved Dick. There was a definite understanding between them. She has been breaking her heart over him. This engagement to Ormsby is a matter arranged by her father. No, the only person who can help us is my father, and I refuse to discuss it with you further. It’s now a matter between me and Dick—a mother’s utter ruin or a son’s emigration. And, after all, why shouldn’t Dick try his luck in another country? There’s nothing for him here.”
“What are you going to say?”
“I can’t tell till I see father, and know what mood he is in. He has always abused Dick; but he always liked him. Dick was the only one who could speak out straight and defy him, and he appreciated it.”
“I am helpless,” cried the rector, throwing up his 241 hands and turning away. “I know the path I should follow, but it is barred, and the way I am traveling is accursed.”
“Then I must act alone, John. Good-bye. To-day must decide everything. John, won’t you kiss me—won’t you say good-bye?”
He still turned his back upon her, more in sorrow than in anger. She placed her gloved hand upon his shoulder appealingly, and turned a woe-begone face.
“It will all come right, John.”
He sighed, and embraced her like the broken man he was, and she left him alone with his conscience.