“Yes; it won’t do to say any thing about Paris yet.”
“I am sorry we have to go off in this way; but I would rather do it than not go at all.”
I am willing to confess that my conscience reproached me for thus deceiving my loving wife; but I believed that I was doing it for her good—to save her from a fate so terrible that neither of us could comprehend it. We discussed the details of the plan in full, and she promised to be as circumspect as I could desire. We had two traveling trunks which we had used upon our bridal tour, and these were immediately brought into requisition. Leaving Lilian to commence packing, I left the house with the intention of seeing Mr. Brentbone, who had so long been anxious to have my house. I found him at his lodgings. I stated my business, and inquired if he still wished to obtain the dwelling.
“I am still open to a trade. I offered your uncle three hundred bonus for the house,” said he.
“But I wish to sell my furniture.”
“Very well; if it suits my wife, I will buy it.”
“I lost a good deal of money to-day by the coppers, and I must change my plans.”
“Ah! I am sorry for you; but I see you are a prudent young man.”
“I am in a hurry to dispose of the matter, for I have a good chance to board now. If you and Mrs. Brentbone will walk over to the house, we can show you what there is in it.”
The gentleman and the lady were willing, and I accompanied them to Needham Street. Mrs. Brentbone found some fault with the furniture, and rather objected to purchasing it. I intimated that I should not dispose of my lease unless I could sell the furniture.