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The next morning, Mavis received a letter from Windebank. "My own dearest love," it ran, "don't think me a mug for leaving you last night as I did, but I love you so dearly that I want to get you for life and don't wish to run any risk of losing what I treasure most on earth. I am making arrangements so that we can get married at the very earliest date, which I believe is three days from now.
It seemed fortuitous to Mavis that she should earn her bread in a neighbourhood where she would be known, if only because of the high reputation which her dear father had enjoyed. It all seemed as if it had been arranged like something out of a book. Amelia's words, referring to the certainty of her marrying, came into her mind; she tried to dismiss them, but without success.
His big nostrils were dilating more than ever; he turned his head so that one of his eyes again looked into hers. "Something might be got you," continued the man. "It all depends on influence." Mavis looked up quickly. "I was wondering if you'd like me to do my best for you?" "Oh, of course I would."
Two days later, the first post brought a letter from Wales. By the time it arrived Mavis had, in some measure, schooled her fears and rebellious doubtings of her lover; therefore, she was not so disappointed at its contents as she would otherwise have been. The letter was written in much the same strain as his other communications.
This was when Colin Mavis was a laddie at the school, and when I spoke to him, I was surprised at the discretion of his answers; so that gradually I began to think and say, that there was more about Colin than the neighbours knew.
"Good-bye, then." "Oh no." "I'm grateful to you for getting me out of that place, but I can never see you or speak to you again." "But " "We needn't go into it. I want to try to forget it, although I never shall. Good-bye." "I can't let you go like this. Let me drive you home." "Home!" laughed Mavis scornfully. "I've no home." "Really no home?"
'So that ugly words can never be flung in your face again! cried Lilias. 'Are you knighted, brother? 'No, but they say I have won my spurs. I'll tell you all, Lily, as we walk. Only let me bestow this iron cap where some mavis may nestle in it. Ay, and the boots too, which scarce befit a clerk.
"Ah my son's acquaintances!" our hostess murmured. "Yes, and my daughter's too!" Mrs. Mavis gaily echoed. "Mrs. Allen didn't tell us you were going," she continued to the young man. "She'd have been clever if she had been able to!" Mrs. Nettlepoint sighed. "Dear mother, I have my telegram," Jasper remarked, looking at Grace Mavis.
"Is that your little girl? Oh, what brown eyes and mamma's pretty complexion. Good afternoon! We are so much obliged. And this is for you, dear to buy sweeties." Mavis was not disposed to allow her small princess to take a tip from a stranger's hand; but natural good-breeding forced her to acquiesce. The ladies looked back at her, waved their hands by the garden gate, and went away talking.
Hang it! I must do something to try and make up for my blackguard behaviour." Mavis went from the room, her heart beating with fear of discovery. For the time being, she had forgotten the insult offered her by the man she had left: her one thought was to put as great a space as possible between this accursed house and herself in the least imaginable time. She scarcely knew what she did.
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