to be arrested. Will you mind staying here a day or two alone?
I must go away for a short time on business but will return and remove
you when it is settled. You are better here than at home, as everything
will be seized. You are in Rowland's parish, if the worst should come to
the worst; but I don't want him to know anything about me, as it will be
all right again by-and-by.'

'Howel, I asked Captain Dancy not to insist upon that money.'

'You did! That is why he let me off with half for another month. What
did he say?'

'He said, Howel, that if I would go to France with him he would forgive
your debt.'

'And you, Netta?' Howel clenched his fist.

'And I, Howel? I left the room, and have never seen him since. He called
after, but I could not speak to him again. How could I?'

'Netta, will you forgive and try to forget how jealous and unkind I have
been? In spite of all, I have loved you, Netta. Oh! if I had not taken
you away from your happy home!'

'I can bear anything if you love me, Howel. We will try to get through
this difficulty, and then you will begin afresh as a clerk or anything;
and we will be happy--oh, so happy again! Happier than ever!'

Netta smiled through her tears, whilst Howel groaned aloud.

'Think kindly of me, Netta; don't let them make you hate me. I care for
no one else in the world. If I send for you, will you come to me,
supposing I cannot come myself?'

'Anywhere! anywhere!'

Netta put her arms around her husband and sobbed aloud.

By-and-by some refreshments that Howel had ordered came up. The landlady
appeared, who seemed a quiet, meek-looking woman.

'I shall be obliged to leave Mrs Mills and the little girl for a day or
two,' said Howel. 'You will see they are attended to, I hope.'

'Yes, sir,' said the landlady looking, and, doubtless, feeling
astonished at the sort of person Netta was, so pretty and well-dressed.

That evening another letter arrived from Mr Deep, which told Howel very
plainly that writs were issued against him, and that his bills, cheques,
betting debts, and affairs generally, were being questioned by his
friends. There was also rather more than a hint of his being suspected
of forgery.

He went out as soon as he had received that letter, and did not return
until past midnight. Netta awaited him in an agony of terror lest he
should return no more.

He gave Netta ten pounds and told her on no account to disclose her real
name, or give a clue to his h