The only danger is the danger
of my being discovered at St. Crux, and that falls entirely on me. By
the time I am in the admiral's house you will be married, and the ship
will be taking you to your new life."
Louisa's face, now brightening with hope, now clouding again with fear,
showed plain signs of the struggle which it cost her to decide. She
tried to gain time; she attempted confusedly to speak a few words of
gratitude; but her mistress silenced her.
"You owe me no thanks," said Magdalen. "I tell you again, we are only
helping each other. I have very little money, but it is enough for your
purpose, and I give it you freely. I have led a wretched life; I have
made others wretched about me. I can't even make you happy, except by
tempting you to a new deceit. There! there! it's not your fault. Worse
women than you are will help me, if you refuse. Decide as you like, but
don't be afraid of taking the money. If I succeed, I shall not want it.
If I fail--"
She stopped, rose abruptly from her chair, and hid her face from Louisa
by walking away to the fire-place.
"If I fail," she resumed, warming her foot carelessly at the fender,
"all the money in the world will be of no use to me.
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