He shook her off, and began to count his money.
"I must keep this," he said. "I'll pay it back later to the right quarter—along with the equivalent of what I burnt."
When he had finished packing he told her that he would settle with the lodging-house keeper, and he gave her a few shillings.
"That's enough to get you home with."
Then he picked up his bag and went out.
VIII
Mavis had bought a cheap blue veil to protect her face, and being, moreover, fortunate enough to find an empty compartment in the through coach to Rodchurch Road, she did not suffer during the journey from too curious observation of strangers. She was going home, exactly as if nothing had happened. Her husband had said that she was to go, and what else could she do but obey him?
When the station omnibus pulled up outside the post office, Mr. Ridgett caught sight of her, and gallantly came to assist her in alighting. Evidently he noticed nothing strange about her appearance. She at once announced the good news that Dale had not only been reinstated, but given a couple of weeks' holiday; and Ridgett, genuinely delighted, squeezed both her hands.
"That's something like. Here, let me carry this upstairs for you."
"No, thank you, please don't trouble. I can manage."