She hurried on.
"I went over to see Mrs. Betts, yesterday, Edward. She sent for me. And I
found her half mad--in despair! I just persuaded her to wait till I'd seen
you. But perhaps you've seen her--to-day?" She hung on his answer.
"Indeed, no." The chill, the alteration in his tone were evident. "I left
Blackmount this morning, after matins, motored home, just saw my father and
mother for a moment--heard nothing--and rode on here as fast as I could.
What is there fresh, dearest? I thought that painful business was
settled. And I confess I feel very indignant with Mrs. Betts for dragging
you--insisting upon dragging you--into it!"
"How could she help it? She's no friends, Edward! People are very sorry for
him--but they fight shy of her. I dare say it's right--I dare say she's
deserved it--I don't want to know. But oh it's so miserable--so pitiable!
She's _going_!--she's made up her mind to that--she's going. That's
what she wanted to tell me--and asked that I should tell you."
"She could do nothing better for herself, or him," said Newbury, firmly.
"But she's not going, in the way you proposed! Oh no. She's going to slip
away--to hide! He's not to know where she is--and she implores you to keep
him here--to comfort him--and watch over him.
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