Silence,' she repeated as Betty opened her mouth, 'or rather
give me his name and address and not another word.'

'Edward Smith, Salisbury House, but. . . .'

'Enough. Now, dear, don't get up.'

The events of that Friday and Saturday formed in later days one of the
sunbathed memories in Victoria's dreary life. It was all so gentle, so
full of sweetness and irresolute generosity. She remembered everything,
the wait in the little dark room into which she was ushered by an amazed
commissionaire who professed himself willing to break regulations for
her sake and hand Mr Smith a note, the banging of her heart as she
realised her responsibility and resolved to break her word if necessary
and to buy a husband for Betty rather than lose him, then the quick
interview, the light upon the young man's face.

'Where is she,' he asked excitedly. 'Oh, why did she run away? You can't
think what I've been going through.'

'You should have married her,' said Victoria coldly, though she was
moved by his sincerity. He was handsome, this young man, with his
bronzed face, dark eyes, regular features and long dark hair.

'Oh, I would have at once if I'd known. But I couldn't make up my mind;
only thirty bob a week. . . .'

'Yes, I know,' said Victoria softly, 'I used to be at the P. R. R.'

'You?' The young man looked at her incredulously.

'Yes, but never mind me. It's Betty I've come for. The baby is dead. I
found her cleaning the steps of a house near Waterloo.'

'My God,' said the young man in low tones. He clenched his hands
together; one of his paper cuff protectors fell to the floor.

'Will you marry her now?'

'Yes . . . at once.'

'Good. She's had a hard time, Mr Smith, and I don't say it's entirely
your fault. Now it's all going to be put square. I'm going to see she
has some money of her own, five hundred pounds. That will help won't
it?'

'Oh, it's too good to be true. Why are you doing all this for us?
You're. . . .'

'Please, please, no thanks. I'm Betty's friend. Let that be enough. Will
you come and see her to-morrow at my house? Here's my card.'

On the last day of November these two were married at a registry office
in the presence of Victoria and the registrar's clerk. A new joy had
settled upon Betty, whose shy prettiness was turning into beauty.
Victoria's heart was heavy as she looked at the couple, both so young
and rapt, setting out upon the sea with a cargo of glowing dreams. It
was heavy still as