Besides, there would have been other things to
try him for, since he had cheated the publishing house which employed
him of all he had been able to get into his hands. There was reason to
believe that he had heavy debts, especially gambling ones, and that he
had become desperate since he no longer had his step-sister to fall
back upon.
Looking into his room, among other papers, a half-burnt manuscript was
found upon his grate among some exhausted cinders, as if he had been
trying to use the unfortunate 'Waif of the Moorland' to eke out his
last fire. Moreover, the proprietor of the Politician told Colonel
Mohun of having remonstrated with him on the exceeding weakness and
poorness of the 'Constantia' poetry, 'which,' as that indignant
personage added, 'was evidently done merely as a lure to the
unfortunate young lady.'
The fifteen pounds had been accepted in an honourable and ladylike
manner by the elder sister--but without any overpowering expression of
gratitude. No doubt it was a bitter pill to her, forced down by
necessity, and without guessing that it cost the donors anything.
Dolores's mind was set at rest as to Flinders's evasion before night,
and on the Sunday morning even Nurse Halfpenny could find out nothing
the matter with her, so that she was obliged to make her appearance as
usual. Uncle Reginald did not kiss her, he only gave a cold nod, and
said 'Good morning.' Otherwise all went on as usual, and it was
pleasant to find that Fly was as entirely used as they were to learning
Collect and hymn, and copying out texts illustrating Catechism, and
that she was expected to have them ready to repeat them to her mother
some time in the afternoon.
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