The problem the supposition presented to her mind seemed to cause her no slight disturbance; still she passed into the room.
Which explains why, when Nora said she doubted if Mr. Nash was ever really interested in anybody but himself, Elaine Harding had good cause to wonder if the thing was true.
CHAPTER V
[PETER PIPER'S POPULAR PILLS]
On the Monday, after Dr. Banyard had been gone perhaps a couple of hours, Mr. Nash drove up to Cloverlea in a dogcart. Miss Harding met him in the drive. At sight of her the gentleman descended; the cart went on up to the house, to wait for him. So soon as it was out of sight the lady, taking a packet from the bodice of her dress, gave it to her lover.
"That's the two hundred; put it in your pocket; I want you to promise that you'll not breathe a word to any one about the money having come from me."
"I promise readily."
"Nor about any other money which--I may find. I want you to keep your own counsel; I want people to suppose that the money is your own; I don't want them to think I'm buying a husband."
"I certainly will neither do nor say anything to make them think so. All the same, darling, I don't know how to thank you; you don't know what this means to me. It seems to be all in gold?"
He was fingering the parcel in his jacket pocket.