"I'll walk out of this house without speaking a word to a creature in it, or to anyone out of it for the matter of that, and I'll take the next train back to town, if that's what you mean."
"That's what I do mean. If I give you a cheque for a thousand pounds will that do?"
"If you leave it open, and make it payable to bearer, I don't know that I'd mind taking it. I suppose there's money enough at the bank to meet it; and that you won't try to stop its being paid."
"There's plenty of money to meet it, and I certainly shall not try to stop its being paid."
"Then I'll tell you what; you give me all the ready money you have got in the house, and an open cheque to bearer for the balance--that'll be more satisfactory for both parties--then I'll take myself off as fast as you like."
"Very well. I'll go and see what money I've got and I'll bring you a cheque for the rest."
Miss Arnott moved towards the door, intending to perpetrate what was perhaps the worst folly of which she had been guilty yet. Just as she reached the door it opened. Mr Stacey entered, followed by a dark, dapper gentleman--Ernest Gilbert.
CHAPTER XXIX
[SOME PASSAGES OF ARMS]
Mr Stacey held out both hands to her in the effusive fashion which, when he chose, he could manage very well.