occasion, public and private? Had my home been made happier I should not
have sought the society I did elsewhere. Barbara, I must be allowed an
interview with my mother."

Barbara Hare reflected before she spoke. "I do not see how it can be
managed."

"Why can't she come out to me as you have done? Is she up, or in bed?"

"It is impossible to think of it to-night," returned Barbara in an
alarmed tone. "Papa may be in at any moment; he is spending the evening
at Beauchamp's."

"It is hard to have been separated from her for eighteen months, and to
go back without seeing her," returned Richard. "And about the money? It
is a hundred pounds that I want."

"You must be here again to-morrow night, Richard; the money, no doubt,
can be yours, but I am not so sure about your seeing mamma. I am
terrified for your safety. But, if it is as you say, that you are
innocent," she added, after a pause, "could it not be proved?"

"Who is to prove it? The evidence is strong against me; and Thorn, did I
mention him, would be as a myth to other people; nobody knew anything of
him."

"Is he a myth?" said Barbara, in a low voice.

"Are you and I myths?" retorted Richard. "So, even you doubt me?"