Raymond watched him cross the room anxiously. When he reached the door he called to him––
“Micky! What the devil are you going to do?”
And Micky answered without turning––
“I’m going to tell Mrs. Clare the way you’ve treated Miss Shepstone, and if she’s half the decent sort I think she is she’ll throw you overboard as you’ve thrown scores of others....”
Ashton followed and clutched his arm. “Come back; don’t be such a firebrand! I’ll go––I’ll clear out by the first train to-morrow.... I’m sorry if Esther was upset, but....”
Micky cut him short. “The first train leaves Victoria at 9.40; I’ll be there to see you off.”
Ashton scowled. “It’s a nice way to treat a friend,” he grumbled. “If there’s really anything up with Lallie ...”
Micky stood like a statue.
“It’s decent of you to take her out,” Ashton went on uneasily. “I’m much obliged to you, I’m sure. She’s never had much of a time. If I’d had any money....”