"It is because I am conscious of what your sentiments are on the subject that I am going to leave Nuthurst." "You're going to do--what?" "I have an income of my own----" "Five hundred a year." "It's more than five hundred a year." "How much more?" "I'm going to take a small furnished flat in London, and I'm going to live in it. For that my income will be more than ample." "Is the girl raving? What's the matter with my house--or with me? If it comes to that, can't I take a flat for you?" She crossed the room, and she kissed him. Educated in the school of experience, he did not show himself so grateful as he might have done. "What does that mean?" "It means, my dear uncle, that it can't be done." "What can't be done?" "I'd better be candid with you." "I'd sooner you weren't. Candour with you means saying something disagreeable." "Circumstances have arisen which make me think that things are in a very bad way with Sydney." "I shouldn't be surprised." "You would be surprised if you knew how bad they are." "Oh, no, I shouldn't. A young scamp like that must expect to feed on the husks which the swine have rejected. I know. Rogues sometimes do get punished even in this world." "Does it not occur to you how impossible it is that I should remain in your house while you speak like that of my future husband?" "Your future husband?" "My future husband." She said it with an air of calmness which irritated the old gentleman more than any show of heat would have done. "Violet, if ever you marry that young blackguard----" "Stop, uncle, before you say something which I may find it hard to forgive." She spoke as if she wished him to understand that the discussion was closed; that all she had to do was to make an announcement. "I am leaving Nuthurst this afternoon; I am going up to town by the three-twenty-three. I have told Cleaver to send my things on after me and what things to send. I shan't want her. You may dismiss her or keep her on, as you please. I dare say she may be found useful in the house." "Dismiss Cleaver! At a moment's notice! I catch myself at it. And she has waited upon you hand and foot since you wore your first pair of long stockings!" As Geoffrey Hovenden growled the words out he surveyed her as a clean-bred old mastiff might an impertinent young lap-dog. She went calmly on, holding out to him a sheet of paper: "My address in town will be 2A Cobden Mansions, York Place. I've written it on this piece of paper in case you should forget it. It is quite respectable; you need be under no apprehension. All the occupants of Cobden Mansions are women, who have to supply satisfactory references before they are accepted as tenants. Good-bye." Ignoring the hand which she advanced, he glared at her as if he would like to treat her to a good shaking. "Are you in earnest?"