By-and-by her rapacity would get the
better of her fear and she would recommence her persecutions. This
being so, he came to a determination--he would put the world between
them. Once let him have this money in his hand and he would start his
life afresh in some new country; he was not too old for it, and he
would be a rich man, and then perhaps he might get rid of the cares
which had rendered so much of his existence valueless. If Belle would
go with him, well and good--if not, he could not help it. If she did
go, there must be a reconciliation first, for he could not any longer
tolerate the life they lived.
In due course he reached the Oaks and went in. Luncheon was on the
table, at which Belle was sitting. She was, as usual, dressed in
black, and beautiful to look on; but her round babyish face was pale
and pinched, and there were black lines beneath her eyes.
"I did not know that you were coming back to luncheon," she said; "I
am afraid there is not much to eat."
"Yes," he said, "I finished my business up at the Castle, so I thought
I might as well come home. By-the-by, Belle, I have a bit of news for
you."
"What is it?" she asked, looking up sharply, for something in his tone
attracted her attention and awoke her fears.
"Your friend, Edward Cossey, is going to be married to Ida de la
Molle.
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