Maurice hesitated a moment, and then made boldly a request which had been in his mind.
"I want to see her. I should like to see her this morning if I could. Will you help me?"
"You don't generally require help for that. But I suppose the fact is, you want to see her alone?"
"Exactly."
"I own I fancied you had settled your affairs yesterday; however, I can help you, I think. Mrs. Costello half promised to go out with me some morning. I will go and try to carry her off to-day."
"You are always kind, Louisa. What should I do without you?"
"Ah! that is very pretty just now. By-and-by we shall see how much value you have for me."
"Yes, you shall see."
"But seriously, Maurice, you look wretched. One would say you had not slept for a week."
"On the contrary, I slept later than usual to-day. It is that, I suppose, which makes me look dull. Here is Sir John. What time will your drive be?"