He brushed his hand across his face; and the thought flashed through
her: 'He means me to see them! Ah, what a cynical wretch I am!'
Fiorsen saw that thought pass, and muttering suddenly:
"Good-bye, Gyp! I am not all bad. I AM NOT!" He tore the door open and
was gone.
That passionate "I am not!" saved Gyp from a breakdown. No; even at his
highest pitch of abnegation, he could not forget himself.
Relief, if overwhelming, is slowly realized; but when, at last, what she
had escaped and what lay before her were staring full in each other's
face, it seemed to her that she must cry out, and tell the whole world
of her intoxicating happiness. And the moment little Gyp was in Betty's
arms, she sat down and wrote to Summerhay:
"DARLING,
"I've had a fearful time. My baby was stolen by him while I was with
you. He wrote me a letter saying that he would give her back to me if I
gave you up. But I found I couldn't give you up, not even for my baby.
And then, a few minutes ago, he brought her--none the worse. Tomorrow
we shall all go down to Mildenham; but very soon, if you still want me,
I'll come with you wherever you like. My father and Betty will take care
of my treasure till we come back; and then, perhaps, the old red house
we saw--after all. Only--now is the time for you to draw back. Look into
the future--look far! Don't let any foolish pity--or honour--weigh with
you; be utterly sure, I do beseech you.
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