Withers. I am as impatient as a schoolboy to be
off. And I am perfectly certain that Mrs. Conway will be very glad to
receive her. She knows Mabel, for I have given her an idea of my fancy
about that matter; and of course she will be glad to learn something
of your girl."
"But she may not have a spare room," Mrs. Withers urged feebly.
"It is not likely," Mr. Penfold said decisively; "and if there should
be any difficulty on that score it will be very easily managed, as
Ralph can give up his room to Mabel, and come and stay at the hotel
with me."
Mr. Withers laughed. "I see that it is of no use raising objections,
Penfold; you are armed at all points. I scarcely know you, and have
certainly never seen you possessed of such a spirit of determination."
Mr. Penfold smiled. "It would have been better for me, perhaps, if I
had always been so determined, Withers. At any rate I mean to have my
own way in this matter. I have not had a real holiday for years."
So Mr. Penfold had his own way, and carried off Mabel wild with
delight and excitement upon the day after he had received Mrs.
Conway's letter. There was no shade of embarrassment in the meeting
between Mrs. Conway and the man who had once been her lover. It was
like two old and dear friends who had long been separated and now come
together again.
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