"I fear it is impossible that you can do the least vestige of good, Miss Staunton," said Lawson. "All the same it is a brave thought, and worthy of you."
George looked round when Lawson said this; he fully expected Effie to explain herself more fully, to argue the point, and to give her reasons for approaching Mr. Gering. To the surprise of both the men, however, she was silent. After a little pause, she said, turning to Lawson:
"Do you think George will be safe here until the morning?"
"I do—perfectly safe," answered Lawson.
"Then I will say good-night. I will come to you, George if I have news, in the morning."
"Oh, you won't have news," replied George; "there never was such a hard nut to crack as old Gering."
Effie made no reply.
"Good-night," she said to her brother.
He did not offer to kiss her, but he took her hand and gave it a silent squeeze. It seemed to Effie then that she got near his heart.
Lawson took her downstairs and put her into a cab.