“Where should I go? I haven’t any money. I haven’t a sou. Besides—besides—I dare not disobey. If I did, he—he’d—he’d bring disaster—terrible disaster, upon me!”
“I can lend you some money,” I said. Then a thought struck me.
“Why not come away with me?” I exclaimed. “I will get you a room at an hotel, see to you, provide you with money, and take care that nobody objectionable—neither this fellow Paulton, nor anybody else—molests you.”
“Ah, Dick, if only I dared!” she exclaimed fervently, with shining eyes.
“You love me, Vera—do you not?”
“You know that I do, Dick.”
“Then leave here. Who is to prevent you? Where are your father and mother?”
She turned sharply.
“How can you ask that?” she cried, with a quick glance. I pulled myself together on the instant. I was forgetting to be cautious.
“Wouldn’t it be safe for you to appeal to them for help?” I asked vaguely.