"But he is paid for going, of course," suggested Mrs. Werner.
"He certainly has not been paid yet," retorted Dolly; "and, what is more, Mr. Swanland is not bound to pay him a penny."
"Then I am sure I should not go were I in his place."
"He is obliged to go," answered Mrs. Mortomley. "There is no use mincing the matter. Archie is as utterly a slave as if his creditors had bought him body and soul. I do not know how he bears it; why he is able to bear it; or rather I do. If he understood our actual position, he would go mad."
"Have you not told him, then?" asked Mrs. Werner in amazement.
"No, I dare not tell him."
"You ought to do so—"
"I ought not, Leonora. Time enough to let him know we are utterly beggared when he is strong to bear the shock. Some day, of course, he must be told, but I shall defer the evil time as long as possible."
Mrs. Werner sighed. She looked round the small rooms and then at Dolly's changed face before she spoke again.
"And so everything was sold at Homewood?" she remarked at last.