“Of course,” she answered. “But why do you treat me in this manner? Think of the risks I run in meeting you here to-night. What would people think if it were known?”
“What do I care what people think!” he exclaimed carelessly. “Of course you’ve got to keep up appearances—fortunately, I ain’t.”
“But you surely won’t do what you threaten?” she exclaimed in a voice of blank dismay. “Remember that our secrets have been mutual. I have never betrayed you—never in any single thing.”
“No, because you knew what would be the result if you did,” he laughed with a sneer. “I never trust a woman’s word—I don’t. You’re rich now the old man’s dead, and I want money,” he said decisively.
“But I haven’t any yet,” she replied. “When will you have some?”
“I don’t know. There are all sorts of law formalities to go through before, so Mr Greenwood says.”
“Oh! a curse on Greenwood!” the fellow burst forth. “He’s always with you up in London, they say. Ask him to get you some money from the lawyers. Tell him you’re hard up—got to pay bills, or something. Any lie will do for him.”
“Impossible, Herbert,” she answered, trying to remain calm. “You must really be patient.”
“Oh, yes, I know!” he cried. “Call me good dog and all that. But that kind of game don’t suit me—you hear? I’ve got no money, and I must have some at once—to-night.”
“I haven’t any,” she declared.