"These things were ordered by post, and I wish Miss Billiter to select
her own patterns."
"Miss Billiter's with her aunt, and she don't see anyone at present."
"Then kindly hand in the parcel, and I will call in an hour."
That night Letty was restless. The sly little thing had managed to
deceive her aunt; but the problem of how to elude father was
troublesome.
William had an American engagement; he would have a fast horse ready
next evening at eight; Mr. Billiter would be summoned by a telegram;
then train to Southampton--licence--the mail to New York, and bliss for
ever! Letty must rush out like a truant schoolgirl--never mind about hat
or cloak; the escape _must_ be made, and then let those catch who can.
This was Devine's plan, and he carried it out with perfect nerve. A
fortnight afterwards the mail steamer was surging along in
mid-Atlantic, and the plucky actor was passing happy, idle days with his
wife.
* * * * *
Billy had the nerve of a man once, but he utters a kind of strangled
shriek now if a dog barks close to him, and he cannot lift his glass in
the mornings--he stoops to the counter and sucks his first mouthfuls
like a horse drinking, or he passes his handkerchief round his neck, and
draws his liquor gently up with the handkerchief to steady him.
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