After an instant of dismay, Humphrey was, on the whole, relieved at the idea of being allowed to depart in peace and to await his cheque where the situation wouldn't be strained. It was rather a nuisance, having to make a removal for so short a time, but when it was effected, he felt that they would be a great deal more comfortable. He replied that they would go, of course, and that madame Garin could depend upon his sending her the amount that he owed the moment that his arrears of salary were forthcoming. He said he thoroughly appreciated the consideration that she had shown them, and could not express how deeply he regretted to have inconvenienced her.
"Yes, monsieur," murmured mademoiselle Garin. She hesitated; she added, in a slightly embarrassed tone: "You know, monsieur, my mother must keep your luggage 'ere? Her lawyer 'as advised that."
"What?" said Kent. "Oh, my dear mademoiselle Garin! I will give your mother an acknowledgment—a promissory note—whatever she likes! She will only have to trust me for a few more days; I'm perfectly certain to have the money in the course of a week. She won't keep the luggage, surely? My—my dear young lady, think what it means with a wife and child!"
Mademoiselle Garin spread her arms with a shrug.
"It is always 'a few more days,' monsieur," she said. "My mother will permit you to take your necessaries for the few days, and the things belonging to the little one. No more."
"Can I see her?" inquired Kent, rather pale.
"Oh yes; she is in the bureau."
"The servants can hear everything that goes on in the bureau," he demurred. "Can't I talk to her in her room?"
Mademoiselle Garin preceded him there, and he tried his best to wring consent from the old woman, but she was as hard as nails, and would not listen for long. An "acknowledgment of the debt," certainly—the lawyer had advised that, too, and he would prepare it—but their luggage, jamais de la vie! The baby's box, and the bassinet; and for madame Kent and himself such articles as were indispensable for one week. She would agree to nothing else.
Cynthia was upstairs, playing with the baby, and Kent went in and shut the door that communicated with the nursery.