‘No earlier than usual, for I propose breaking the journey, and staying all night at Elberthal.’
‘At Elberthal? Why there? It is not a pretty town, and Cologne is far more interesting, though I am tired of it.’
‘I know Elberthal is not pretty. But there is some one there whom I wish to see before I go to England.’
‘Oh, is it anyone I know?’
‘I think you have seen her once or twice. It is Miss Sara Ford.’
‘Miss Ford!’ repeated Avice, not at the first moment comprehending. ‘That beautiful Miss Ford who was with the Countess of Trockenau so often? Is she a friend——’
Then, as she still continued looking at Jerome, she understood in a moment, and stopped abruptly. This was a new phase of life, a fresh complication in her circumstances, towards which her thoughts had never before turned for a moment. For a few moments she sat quite still, saying nothing, pondering upon it; then, rising quickly, she went to Jerome, and put her arm round his neck.
‘Oh, Jerome,’ she murmured, in a half-tearful voice, ‘how much you must have had to suffer! I never knew till now what “ruin” and having no money might mean.’
He returned her kiss, saying gently, ‘Never mind, Liebchen! Things may turn out well in the end. And meantime, before we face Manchester and ruin, there is Elberthal to be passed.’
The following day they departed by the afternoon boat from Ober-Lahnstein for Cologne, thence to take the train to Elberthal. It was a gorgeous afternoon, at the very end of July. The sun was hot, the river was smooth, the scenery was glowing, the boat was full of gay parties of travellers of all nations, when Wellfield and his sister went upon it. A little after six they arrived at Elberthal, and went to an hotel.