Further
orders might come from his father, and the failure to acknowledge
them would lead to evasion, and perhaps to discovery. He must,
therefore, content himself with a written explanation to Mrs Caffyn
why he could not meet her, and there should be one more effort to
make atonement to Madge. This was what went to Mrs Caffyn, and to
her lodger:-
'DEAR MADAM,--Your note has reached me here. I am very sorry that my
engagements are so pressing that I cannot leave Germany at present.
I have written to Miss Hopgood. There is one subject which I cannot
mention to her--I cannot speak to her about money. Will you please
give me full information? I enclose 20 pounds, and I must trust to your
discretion. I thank you heartily for all your kindness.--Truly
yours,
'FRANK PALMER.'
'MY DEAREST MADGE,--I cannot help saying one more word to you,
although, when I last saw you, you told me that it was useless for me
to hope. I know, however, that there is now another bond between us,
the child is mine as well as yours, and if I am not all that you
deserve, ought you to prevent me from doing my duty to it as well as
to you? It is true that if we were to marry I could never right you,
and perhaps my father would have nothing to do with us, but in time
he might relent, and I will come over at once, or, at least, the
moment I have settled some business here, and you shall be my wife.
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