Page:William Le Queux - The Temptress.djvu/41

26 "You—you can't mean you are going to leave me, sir?" he implored. "For nigh on sixty years, man and boy, I've been in the service of your family, and it does seem hard that I should remain here and see the things sold—the pictures and the china that came from the Hall."

"Yes, I know, Jacob; but it's no use worrying," said Hugh, somewhat impatiently. "It cannot be avoided, so the things from the old place will have to travel and see the world, as I am compelled to."

"And you really mean to go, Master Hugh?"

"Yes; I tell you I must."

"And cannot I—cannot I come with you?" faltered the old man.

"No, Jacob—that's impossible. I—I shall have no need of a servant. I must discharge you, but here's fifty pounds to keep you from the workhouse for the present. I'd give you more, Jacob, but, indeed the fact is, I'm deuced hard up."

And he took some notes from a drawer in his escritoire, and handed them to his faithful old servant.

"Thank you very kindly, sir—thank you. But—hadn't you better keep the money, sir? You might want it."

"No," replied Hugh, with a sad smile. "I insist upon you taking it; and, look here, what's more, the basket of plate is yours. It is all good stuff, and belonged to the dear old governor; so sell it to-morrow when I'm gone, and put the money into your pocket. Take anything else you like as well, because if you don't others will. And, by the way, should you ever want to write to me, a letter to the 'Travellers' will be forwarded. I—I'm busy now, so good-night, Jacob."

Grasping the venerable servant's bony hand, he shook it warmly.