"Why are you going at once, in this sudden manner?" asked his father. Frank then remembered that he could not tell openly the story of Mrs. Beelzebub. Rachel had told him in pure simple-minded confidence, and though he was prepared to disobey her, he would not betray her. "She is on the stage," he said. "I am aware of it," replied his father, intending to signify that his son's betrothed was not employed as he would have wished. "At the Charing Cross Opera," said the son, endeavouring to make the best of it. "Yes; at the Charing Cross Opera, if that makes a difference." "She is earning her bread honestly." "I believe so," said Mr. Jones, "I do believe so, I do think that Rachel O'Mahony is a thoroughly good girl." "I am sure of it," said Ada and Edith almost in the same breath. "But not less on that account is the profession distasteful to me. You do not wish to see your sisters on the stage?" "I have thought of all that, sir," said Frank, "I have quite made up my mind to make Rachel my wife, if it be possible." "Do you mean to live on what she may earn as an actress?" Here Frank remained silent for a moment. "Because if you do, I must tell you that it will not become you as a gentleman to accept her income." "You cannot give us an income on which we may live." "Certainly not at this moment. With things as they are in Ireland now, I do not know how long I may have a shilling with which to bless myself. It seems to me that for the present it is your duty to stay at home, and not to trouble Rachel by going to her in London." "At this moment I must go to her." "You have given no reason for your going." Frank thought of it, and told himself that there was in truth no reason. His going would be a trouble to Rachel, and yet there were reasons which made it imperative for him to go. "Have you asked yourself what will be the expense?" said his father. "It may cost I suppose twelve pounds, going and coming." "And have you asked yourself how many twelve pounds will be likely to fall into your hands just at present? Is she in any trouble?" "I had rather not talk about her affairs," said Frank. "Is not her father with her?" "I do not think he is the best man in the world to help a girl in such an emergency." But he had not described what was the emergency. "You think that a young man, who certainly will be looked on as the young lady's lover, but by no means so certainly as the young lady's future husband, will be more successful?" "I do," said Frank, getting up and walking out of the room. He was determined at any rate that nothing which his father could say should stop him, as he had resolved to disobey all the orders which Rachel had given him. At any rate, during that night and the following day he made his way up to London. CHAPTER XV. CAPTAIN YORKE CLAYTON.