She loathed the thought of it; but she knew very well that she
Was under coercion—for Gertrude's sake. The recollection of
Winnington—away in Latchford on county business—smote her sharply.
But how could she help it? She must—must keep in touch with this
man—who had Gertrude in his power.
While these thoughts were running through her mind, he stopped his recitation abruptly.
"Am I to help you any more—with the jewels?"
Delia started. Lathrop was smiling at her, and she resented the smile.
She had forgotten. But there was no help for it. She must have more
money. It might be, in the last resort, the means of bargaining with
Gertrude. And how could she ask Mark Winnington!
So she hurriedly thanked him, naming a tiara and two pendants, that she thought must be valuable.
"All right," said Lathrop, taking out a note-book from his breast pocket, and looking at certain entries he had made on the occasion of his visit to Maumsey. "I remember—worth a couple of thousand at least. When shall I have them?"
"I will send them registered—to-morrow—from Latchford."
" Très bien! I will do my best. You know Mr. Winnington has offered me a commission?" His eyes laughed.
Delia turned upon him.
"And you ought to accept it, Mr. Lathrop! It would be kinder to all of us."