Now be reasonable, my dear. I'm willing to do something for you if
you will do something for me. You must see what a stop this sad affair has
put to any thoughts between you and Frank. And you must see what cause I
have to wish to punish Edward for his ungrateful behavior, to say nothing
of the forgery. Well now! I don't know what Mr. Henry will say to me, but
I have thought of this. If you'll write a letter to Frank, just saying
distinctly that, for reasons which must for ever remain a secret..."
"Remain a secret from Frank?" said Maggie, again lifting up her head.
"Why?"
"Why? my dear! You startle me with that manner of yours--just let me finish
out my sentence. If you'll say that, for reasons which must forever remain
a secret, you decidedly and unchangeably give up all connection, all
engagement with him (which, in fact, Edward's conduct has as good as put an
end to), I'll go over to Woodchester and tell Mr. Henry and the police that
they need not make further search after Edward, for that I won't appear
against him. You can save your brother; and you'll do yourself no harm by
writing this letter, for of course you see your engagement is broken off.
For you never would wish to disgrace Frank."
He paused, anxiously awaiting her reply. She did not speak.
"I'm sure, if I appear against him, he is as good as transported," he put
in, after a while.
Just at this time there was a little sound of displaced china in the
closet.
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