Lucy was able to tell him that Lady Kelsey would pay the eight thousand pounds the woman had lost. The good creature had thought of it even before Lucy made the suggestion. At all events none of them need have on his conscience the beggary of that unfortunate person.
'Alice was always a good soul,' said Allerton. He clung to Lucy as though she were his only hope. 'You won't forget me while I'm away, Lucy?'
'I'll come and see you whenever I'm allowed to.'
'It won't be very long. I hope I shall die quickly.'
'You mustn't do that. You must keep well and strong for my sake and George's. We shall never cease to love you, father.'
'What's going to happen to George now?' he asked.
'We shall find something for him. You need not worry about him.'
George flushed. He could find nothing to say. He was ashamed and angry. He wanted to get away quickly from that place of horror, and he was relieved when the warder told them it was time to go.
'Good-bye, George,' said Fred Allerton.
'Good-bye.'