"And how long will this sort of thing go on?"
"It all depends upon circumstances. I may not require your assistance for some time."
"And if I refuse your request?"
"Then I shall feel it my duty to enlighten Mrs. Courtly."
There was no way out of the fix, so he paid Felix Hoffman fifty pounds, thankful to be able to keep him quiet for a time, until he could think over what was best to be done.
Why did he not make a clean breast of it to Irene? His folly was committed before he married her, and she could not blame him for attending to Janet's wants. It was shameful to leave Ulick under suspicion. Then he thought, "But he is not under suspicion now. I wonder why he does not go home. It is very curious. He cannot have discovered anything about me, that is almost impossible."
Ulick was half inclined to tax Warren with being the cause of all the trouble, and would have done so in all probability had a favourable opportunity occurred. Fortunately it did not, or angry words might have passed between them, which would have led to a serious quarrel.
Felix Hoffman had bad luck, and a few days after he received the fifty pounds he lost it all, and more with it. He had no hesitation in asking for assistance, which Warren point-blank refused.
"I see what you intend doing," he said, "and I do not mean to be bled. I will face the consequences, and you can do your worst."
Felix Hoffman was taken by surprise at the unexpectedly bold front shown, and said, angrily—