Part 7 (1/2)
”He was quite well when he left home.”
”I hope I shall have the pleasure of meeting him the next time I call.”
”I hope so, but, if possible, your cheque shall be sent on before then.”
When he had gone she said to the shopman, ”Reynolds, I think I can trust you.” The man nodded; he wanted to say ”Yes,” but could not for a lump in his throat. ”I do not know where Mr. Waring is, except that he has gone abroad. If anybody asks you where he is, you had better say frankly you do not know.” It was hard work to keep the voice steady.
”Mrs. Waring,” said Reynolds, huskily, ”I'll stand by you to the best of my ability,” and he put out his hand, which she took in both of hers.
”I feel sure you will,” she said with a choking sob.
The thought which was uppermost in her mind that day was how she could explain her position to any one. Some report must be given to the outside world--what should that report be?--what could it be? If she did not give one the world would soon make one. She determined to go that evening and seek her sister's advice.
The first thing on arriving at the old home was to show her sister Ralph's letter. They were alone in the sister's bedroom. After it had been read twice over the sister threw her arms round Phebe's neck, exclaiming, ”You poor child! you poor child!” and then they sobbed together as they had never done since the time when they were first motherless.
”What am I to do? What am I to tell people?” asked the deserted young wife.
”I don't know; I must think,” was the sister's answer, who was usually so clearbrained. ”Will you come home to live? I wish you would. Father wouldn't object to it if I coax him.”
”No, I am not coming to be a burden on him. I must work for the children. But, oh, Lizzie, you don't know all. He has left me deeply in debt, and taken all my own money, and the stock is so low. But don't tell father!”
”Left you in debt!--the rascal!”
”No, no, don't say that; he asked me to go with him two months ago, and I would not consent. So you see it's partly my own fault. But I never thought he would go without me.”
”Well, you will just have to tell anybody that asks that he has gone to start a business abroad, and that you may be joining him later. It will be best to be straight about it.”
”If he sent for me, should I have to go?”
”I expect you would. You had better tell father all about it, or he will be dreadfully angry if he hears of it from anybody else.”
The old father was sitting by the fire reading his paper. He was good at heart, and thought no end of his ”girls,” but he had always considered it would never do to let them know this, that it was a parent's duty to do a certain amount of scolding.
”How's Ralph?” was his first question. ”He's not been to see me for an age.”
”He was quite well when I saw him last.”
”Saw him last? Why, is he away from home?”
”Yes.”
”Where has he gone?”
”Abroad,” in a very low voice.
”What did you say?” wheeling his chair round towards her in quite a fierce way. ”Why can't you speak out properly?”
”Ralph has gone abroad.”
”Gone abroad! Whatever for?”