"
He smiled at her with the words, and she flashed him a quick, answering
smile, though her lips were quivering.
"I am not a bit like my mother," she said. "I was always dad's
girl--while he lived. It was he who called me Chirpy. No one else ever
did--but you."
"A great piece of presumption on my part," said Rivington.
"No. I like you to. It makes you seem like an old friend, which is what
I need just now, more than anything."
"Quite so," said Rivington. "That qualifies me to advise, I suppose. I
hope you won't be shocked at what I am going to suggest."
She met his eyes with complete confidence. "I shall do it whatever it
is," she said.
"Don't be rash," he rejoined. "It entails a sacrifice. But it is the
only thing that occurs to me for the moment. I think if you are wise you
will leave London to-night."
"Leave London!" she echoed, looking startled.
"Yes. Just drop out for a bit, cut everything, and give this business a
chance to blow over. Leave a note behind for mamma when she arrives, and
tell her why. She'll understand."
"But--but--how can I? Dinghra will only follow me, and I shall be more
at his mercy than ever in the country."
"If he finds you," said Rivington.
"But mother would tell him directly where to look."
"If she knew herself," he returned drily.
"Oh!" She stared at him with eyes of grave doubt. "But," she said, after
a moment, "I have no money.
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