She sat down and wrote to Mr Devitt to
thank him for his letter; she said that the would be pleased to
commence her duties at the time suggested. The question of where and
how she was to lodge her baby at Melkbridge, and, at the same time,
avoid all possible risk of its identity being discovered, she left
for future consideration. She was coming back from posting the
letter, when she was overtaken by Windebank, who was driving a
superb motor car. He pulled up by the kerb of the pavement on which
she was walking.
"Good morning," he cried cheerily. "I was coming to take you out."
"Shopping?" she asked.
"To have a day in the country. Jump in and we'll drive back for the
youngster."
"It's very kind of you, but---"
"There are no 'buts.' I insist."
"I really mustn't go," said Mavis, thinking longingly of the peace
of the country.
"But you must. Remember you've someone else to think of besides
yourself."
"You?"
"The youngster. A change to country air would do him no end of
good."
"Do you really think it would?" asked Mavis, hesitating before
accepting his offer.
"Think! I know. If you don't want to come, it's your duty to
sacrifice yourself for the boy's health.
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