"I think it's out of the question. With that poor father of yours already nearly borne down beneath his troubles, do you think I'd add to them? What I'm wondering is if you've enough money to take you home."
"Papa hasn't sent me any--I'm afraid he's none to send; but I've been reckoning--I've just enough, with a squeeze; but then I'm used to squeezing. Nora, I do hope you've plenty of money."
"I've enough to go on with. Can I help you with your packing?"
"The idea! As if I'd let you, you poor dear!"
"Then, Elaine, if you won't mind very much----"
Nora stopped, as if at a loss to find words with which to clothe her thoughts. Miss Harding was gushing.
"I shan't mind anything, my darling. What is it?"
"It--it's only, if you won't think me very unkind, that I'd--I'd like to catch a train which starts almost at once."
She was thinking, perhaps, of Dr. Banyard's promise to send his wife to talk to her, and desired to avoid that talking. Miss Harding leapt at the hint.
"And you want to get away immediately? And do you think I'd wish to stop you from doing anything you want to do?--you sweet! Good-bye, Nora, my darling! God bless you! I hope everything will turn out all right yet; I feel sure it will; it's bound to. And mind you write!"