“I don’t understand myself, except that I am the friend of Florence.”
“His cousin?”
“Yes.”
“But why should she be compelled to leave her uncle’s home?”
“Because Curtis Waring made him set his heart upon the match. She had her choice to marry Curtis or to leave the house, and forfeit all chance of the estate. She chose to leave the house.”
“She ought to know that he has no right to marry,” said the poor woman, who, not understanding the dislike of Florence for the man whom she herself loved, feared that she might yet be induced to marry him.
“She ought to know, and her uncle ought to know,” said Dodger. “Mrs. Waring, I can’t see my way clear yet. If I were in New York I would know just what to do. Will you agree to stand by me, and help me?”
“Yes, I will,” answered the woman, earnestly.
“I will see you again to-morrow evening. Here is some money to help you along for the present. Good-night.”
Dodger, as he walked away, pondered over the remarkable discovery he had made.