And then, after a brief pause, she added, passionately, "You are right,
Mr. Carrington; your friend is unworthy of one thought from me, and I
will think of him no more."
"You will do wisely, and you will receive the proof of what I say ere
long from the lips of Reginald Eversleigh himself. Tell me the truth
dear madame, are not your pecuniary difficulties becoming daily more
pressing?"
"They have become so pressing," answered Paulina, "that, unless
Reginald lends me money almost immediately, I shall be compelled to fly
from this country in secret, like a felon, leaving all my poor
possessions behind me. Already I have parted with my plate, as you no
doubt have perceived. My only hope is in Reginald."
"A broken reed on which to rely, madame. Sir Reginald Eversleigh will
not lend you money. Since this house has become a place of evil odour,
to be avoided by men who have money to lose, you are no longer of any
use to Sir Reginald. He will not lend you money. On the contrary he
will urge your immediate flight from England; and when you have gone--"
"What then?"
"There will be an obstacle removed from his pathway; and when the
chance of a rich marriage arises, he will be free to grasp it."
"Oh, what utter baseness!" murmured Paulina; "what unspeakable infamy!"
"A selfish man can be very base, very infamous," replied Victor. "But
do not let us speak further of this subject, dear Madame Durski.
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