"
His grave face did not alter. His eyes looked directly into hers and
it seemed to Nan for the first time that they held something of a
domineering expression.
She turned her head away with a quick frown. She also made a slight,
ineffectual effort to free her hand. But he did not appear to notice
either gesture.
"Yes," he said, in his slow way, "it is out of the question, and so I
have asked your father to take care of you for me until my return--for,
unfortunately, I cannot postpone my own departure."
Nan's lips quivered. She was beginning to feel hysterical. With an effort
she controlled herself.
"How long shall you be away?" she asked.
"It is impossible for me to say. Everything depends upon the state of
affairs at the mines. But you may be quite sure, Anne"--a deeper note
crept into his voice--"that my absence will be as short as I can possibly
make it."
She turned her head towards him again.
"You needn't hurry for my sake," she said abruptly. "I shall be perfectly
happy here."
"I am glad to hear it," he answered gravely. "I have made full provision
for you. The interest upon the settlement I have made upon you will be
paid to you monthly. Should you find it insufficient, you will, of
course, let me know. I could cable you some more if necessary."
A great blush rose in Nan's face at his words, spreading upwards to her
hair.
"Oh," she stammered, "I--I--indeed, I shan't want any money! Please
don't--"
"It is your own," he interposed quietly, "and as such I beg that you will
regard it, and spend it exactly as you like.
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