Maurice stopped abruptly.
"Out with it before we go a step farther," he said. "Now, then. Why, Cecil, you're trembling, old girl!"
"I am," said Cecil, tears suddenly filling her eyes. "It means so much, and I'm tempted."
"Those young rascals will be back if you're not quick, Ceci."
"Well, here it is then, Maurice; here's the subtle temptation. Mrs. Lavender wants to make me a present of five hundred pounds."
"I say!" exclaimed Maurice.
"Yes—five hundred pounds; she wants to give it to me now for my education. She wants me to go to Redgarth, where Molly is, you know, Maurice. She wants me to join Molly at St. Dorothy's. She will pay all my expenses out of this sum of money, and will allow me ten pounds a term for pocket-money. That is the proposal, Maurice, and it dazzles me—and I'm weak, and I long to take it; but—but,—oh, Maurice, darling, don't look at me with your grave eyes like that,—do you think I'll desert you? No, no—never, never!"
"Stuff!" said Maurice abruptly. He turned his head away; he didn't speak at all for a moment.
"You are angry with me, Maurice, for even speaking about it," said Cecil; "but I promise—yes, I promise! the look on your face is enough. Don't think of it again, dearest, and the younger boys need never know."