But you mustn't leave, you
know. Really, you ought not. I shan't forget you, be sure of that, whether
you stay or go."
Mrs. Benson crooned over her, "Oh, you're not one that forgets, my
precious, with your golden heart. And there's more than me will find it
out." She wiped her spectacles, breathing on the glasses, and Sanchia
shook out her plumage, escaped from the nest. Ingram, without knocking,
came into the room.
His rage was now cold and keen. He took in conspiracy with one glance at
the three.
He spoke to Minnie. "I have been ringing for twenty minutes. The brandy in
my room, and some soda-water. At once." Scared Minnie fled. Then he turned
half to Sanchia, but didn't look at her.
"I understood you were leaving this afternoon. You had better order a fly.
There's the telephone." He held out an envelope. "I think that you will
find this correct."
Sanchia was at her bureau. "Put it on the table, please," she said,
without turning; and while Ingram hovered, Mrs. Benson heaving like the
sea, gathered into a combing wave and, breaking, swallowed him up.
"Money-ah! You come with money to a lady of the land! Offer me money, Mr.
Ingram, if you dare. Your bread I've eaten, having baked it, and your
father's bread, and not choked yet, though each mouthful might be my last.
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