“I'm going back to Torres Straits to-morrow,” he said. “I may be away for two years.... You will not forget me.”
“No,” she answered, with a sob, “I shall never forget you; you are all the world to me. And go now, dear, quickly; for I love you—and I am only a woman.”
But there is a kindly Providence in these things, for when Lester reached Thursday Island in Torres Straits he heard that Charlton was dead. He had been thrown from his horse and died shortly after. His widow, Lester also heard, had returned to Sydney.
So Lester made quick work. Within twenty-four hours he had sold his business and was on his way back to Sydney.
He dashed up in a cab to his old lodgings. In another hour he would see Nina. He had sent her a telegram from Brisbane, telling her when the steamer would arrive, and was in a fever of excitement. And he was late. As he tumbled his things about, his landlady came to the door with a letter.
“There was a lady called here, sir, a week ago, and asked for your address. I had just got your telegram saying you were coming back to-day, and she said she would write, and this letter came just now.”
Lester knew the handwriting. It was from Nellie. He opened it.
“I know now how I have wronged you. My husband, before he
died, told me that he had deceived me. My life has been a
very unhappy one, and I want to see you and ask for your
forgiveness. Will you send me an answer to-night?—Nellie!”
Lester held the letter in his hand and pondered. What should he do? Answer it or not? Poor Nellie!