Look, I have enough money for the present." She showed gold
that had been left with her by Dr. Derwent. "But am I to go alone?
Will you desert me in my struggle? I want you, dear; I need your
help. Oh, it would be cruel to leave me just now! Will you put it
off for a few weeks, until I know what my life is going to be? You
won't refuse me this one thing, Olga, after all we have gone through
together?"
"For a few weeks: of course I will do that," replied the girl, still
in an attitude of resistance. "But you mustn't deceive yourself,
mother. My mind is made up; _nothing_ will change it. Money is
nothing to me; we shall be able to live----"
"I can count on you till the struggle is over?"
"I won't leave you until it is settled. And perhaps there will be no
struggle at all. I should think it will be enough for you to say
what you have decided----"
"Perhaps. But I can't feel sure. He has got to be such a tyrant, and
it will enrage him--But perhaps the money--Yes, he will be glad
of the money."
Presently they sat down to make a pretence of eating; it was over in
a few minutes. Mrs. Hannaford made known in detail what she had
rapidly decided with her brother. Tonight she would pack her
clothing and Olga's; she would leave a letter for her husband; and
early in the morning they would leave London. Not for any distant
hiding-place; it was better to be within easy reach of Dr.
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