If it's Money, I'll make myself useful, with a view to the future." Magdalen's vigilant eyes watched the progress of his reflections suspiciously.

"Captain Wragge," she said, "if you want time to consider, say so plainly." "I don't want a moment," replied the captain.

"Place your departure from York, your dramatic career, and your private inquiries under my care.
Here I am, unreservedly at your disposal.

Say the word--do you take me ?" Her heart beat fast; her lips turned dry--but she said the word.
"I do." There was a pause.

Magdalen sat silent, struggling with the vague dread of the future which had been roused in her mind by her own reply.