'Be a man,' said Mehalah, grasping him by both hands. 'Save us from ruin.'
'Can't do it, Pretty, can't. I have struck my colours.'
CHAPTER XI
A DUTCH AUCTION.
Mehalah returned sadly to the Ray. The hope that had centred in help from Wyvenhoe had been extinguished.
Her mother was greatly disappointed at the ill-success of the application, but flattered at her cousin's recollection of her.
'If it had not been for that woman's coming in when she did, we should have had the money,' said Mrs. Sharland. 'What a pity she did not remain away a little longer. Charles is very well disposed, and would help us if he could pluck up courage to defy his wife. Suppose you try again, Mehalah, some other day, and choose your time well.'
'I will not go there again, mother.'
'If we do get turned out of this place we might settle at Wyvenhoe, and then choose our opportunity.'
'Mother, the man is completely under his wife's thumb. There is no help to be found there.'