No More Learning

We will get away--that is to say, I will. "

"And me? "

"You shall have fifty whole pounds for spoiling a picture. "

"Then you won't----? "

"I'm afraid not, dear. Think of fifty pounds for pretty things all to
yourself. "

"You said you couldn't do anything without me. "

"That was true a little while ago. I'm better now, thank you. Get me my
hat. "

"S'pose I don't? "

"Beeton will, and you'll lose fifty pounds. That's all. Get it. "

Bessie cursed under her breath.
She had pitied the man sincerely, had
kissed him with almost equal sincerity, for he was not unhandsome; it
pleased her to be in a way and for a time his protector, and above all
there were four thousand pounds to be handled by some one. Now through
a slip of the tongue and a little feminine desire to give a little,
not too much, pain she had lost the money, the blessed idleness and the
pretty things, the companionship, and the chance of looking outwardly as
respectable as a real lady.

"Now fill me a pipe. Tobacco doesn't taste, but it doesn't matter, and
I'll think things out. What's the day of the week, Bess? "

"Tuesday. "

"Then Thursday's mail-day. What a fool--what a blind fool I have been!
Twenty-two pounds covers my passage home again. Allow ten for additional
expenses. We must put up at Madam Binat's for old time's sake.
Thirty-two pounds altogether. Add a hundred for the cost of the last
trip--Gad, won't Torp stare to see me! --a hundred and thirty-two leaves
seventy-eight for baksheesh--I shall need it--and to play with. What
are you crying for, Bess? It wasn't your fault, child; it was mine
altogether.