"As Heaven is my witness," he says hurriedly, "I would not willfully hurt a hair of your head! I would not—"
"Then tell Bob you refuse to help him with his commission," she puts in quickly. "He is paralyzed if he can not reach your pockets. Tell him, Tom—tell him that you have changed your mind, that you can't make him an allowance."
"It is too late, I fear, Addie; his militia commission arrived to-day; but—but—we can talk it over when I return, if you like."
"Train-time just up, sir; the trap is at the door!"
She walks away to the window to hide her face as her sisters come dancing in, having only just heard of Armstrong's intended departure.
"You'll be sure to be back before the theatricals, Tom? You know I'm to act in both pieces; and the Hawksbys will be disappointed if you don't put in an appearance," says Pauline effusively. "The third of May, remember!"
"You'll see me long before that."
"And, Tom dear," puts in Lottie, rubbing her cheek affectionately against his coat-sleeve, "you're going to London, aren't you? If you should any day happen to be passing before that big sweetshop in Regent Street—"
"I'll not forget you, little woman."