She held out to him a ten-pound note.

"What's this?"

"He has sent it. He says he shall be able to pay something every
three months until he has paid the whole debt. Please to take it."

After a short struggle with himself, Hilliard recovered a manly
bearing.

"It's quite right he should return the money, Eve, but you mustn't
ask me to have anything to do with it. Use it for your own expenses.
I gave it to you, and I can't take it back."

She hesitated, her eyes cast down,

"He has written a long letter. There's not a word in it I should be
afraid to show you. Will you read it--just to satisfy me? Do read
it!"

Hilliard steadily refused, with perfect self-command.

"I trust you--that's enough. I have absolute faith in you. Answer
his letter in the way you think best, and never speak to me of the
money again. It's yours; make what use of it you like."

"Then I shall use it," said Eve, after a pause, "to pay for a
lodging in Birmingham. I couldn't live much longer at home. If I'm
here, I can get books out of the library, and time won't drag so.
And I shall be near you."