Nothing could be done for him; I was useless as
bail; he e'en had to sleep in the cell. But I went this morning
to see what would become of him. Such a spectacle when they
brought him forward! It was only five shillings fine, and to my
astonishment he produced the money. I joined him outside--it
required a little courage--and had a long talk with him. He's
writing a London Letter for some provincial daily, and the first
payment had thrown him off his balance.'
Reardon laughed gaily, and made inquiries about the eccentric
gentleman. Only when the subject was exhausted did he speak of
his own concerns, relating quietly what he had learnt from Mrs
Yule. Biffen's eyes widened.
'So,' Reardon cried with exultation, 'there is the last burden
off my mind! Henceforth I haven't a care! The only thing that
still troubled me was my inability to give Amy enough to live
upon. Now she is provided for in secula seculorum. Isn't this
grand news?'
'Decidedly. But if she is provided for, so are you.'
'Biffen, you know me better. Could I accept a farthing of her
money? This has made our coming together again for ever
impossible, unless--unless dead things can come to life.
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