'
This did not suit Mr. Flinders. Such telegrams were very expensive,
and it was too uncertain whether Mr. Mohun would be at Auckland.
Surely, Lady Merrifield, whose husband was shaking the pagoda tree,
would make an advance if she knew the circumstances.
'I don't think she would,' said Dolores, 'I don't think they are very
rich. There is only one horse and one little pony, and my cousins have
such very tiny allowances.'
'Haughty and poor! Stuck up and skimping. Yes, I understand. But I
am not asking from her, only an advance, on your father's promise,
which he would be certain to repay. Yes, quite certain! It is only a
matter of time. It would save me at the present moment from utter ruin
and destruction that would have broken your dear mother's heart. Oh!
Mary, what I lost in you.' Then, as perhaps he saw reflection on
Dolores's face, he added, 'She is gone, the only person who took an
interest in me, so it matters the less, and when you hear again of your
unhappy uncle you will know what drove him--'
'If it was only an advance--I have a cheque,' began Dolores. 'If seven
pounds would do you any good--'
'It would be salvation!' he exclaimed.
'Father left it with me,' pursued Dolores, considering, 'in case
Professor Muhlwasser went on with his great book of coloured plates of
microscopic marine zoophytes, and sent it in. I was to keep this and
pay with it--'
'Oh! Muhlwasser! you need not trouble about him. I saw his death in
the paper a month ago.
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