Page:Herbert Jenkins - The Rain Girl.djvu/291

 "Where are you staying now?"

"To-night I'm afraid it will be Rowton's Lodging House, if I can borrow sixpence from Drew."

For a moment Lady Drewitt gazed at him irresolutely, then reaching across to a table at her side, she turned the key in the drawer and opened it. From inside she took a case containing one-pound notes, selected two and held them out to Beresford.

"No, Aunt Caroline," he said, shaking his head as he rose, "although it's very good of you. Perhaps when I'm married you might stand godmother"

"Richard!" There was such poignant horror in her voice that he felt a little ashamed of himself.

"I'm afraid I must be going now," he said.

"I want to know where I can find you?" There was a note in her voice that convinced him she was evolving a plan to save him from Lola's clutches.

"I shall telephone to Drewitt."

"He knows."

"What did he say?"

"He made some remark about marriage being the reckless assumption of another man's responsibility."

"Where shall you be staying?" Lady Drewitt was not to be diverted from her purpose.

"St. James's Chambers in Jermyn Street will always find me," he replied.

Lady Drewitt continued to gaze at the door long after it had closed behind her nephew, whom she was convinced was mad.

"Payne," said Beresford, as the butler came out