'Honest work! Why, if you go out, you will only continue in your old courses.'
'They are at least honest and even pious courses,' said the Bishop with a snuffle.
'As you please. But there is still the former danger.'
'No. The gentleman understands now that he only mislaid his pocket-book. Mr. Merridew found it for him. The drafts and notes were still in it, fortunately. The gentleman has redeemed the papers from Mr. Merridew. He will not take any further steps.'
'If I take you out,' she spoke to the Captain, 'you know what will happen. Better stay here in safety.'
'What else can a man do?' asked the Captain.
'You might go abroad; go to America—anything is better than the Road and the certain end.' She made a gesture with her hand, easy to be understood.
'If a man has a long rope, what else can he expect?'
'And you?' she turned to the Bishop, 'what will become of you? Will you stay in London where you are known in every street?'
'I have had thoughts of trying Ireland. A good many things can be done in Ireland. The Irish are a confiding people.'