Left to himself, John Somerville spent some time in reflection.
Difficulties encompassed him--difficulties from which he found it
hard to find a way of escape. He knew how impossible it would be to
meet this woman's demand. Something must be done. Gradually his
countenance lightened. He had decided what that something should be.
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE LAW STEPS IN.
WHEN Peg left Mr. John Somerville's apartment, it was with a high
degree of satisfaction at the result of her interview. She looked
upon the thousand dollars as sure to be hers. The considerations
which she had urged would, she was sure, induce him to make every
effort to secure her silence. With a thousand dollars, what might
not be done? She would withdraw from the coining-business, for one
thing. It was too hazardous. Why might not Dick and she retire to
the country, lease a country-inn, and live an honest life hereafter.
There were times when she grew tired of the life she lived at
present. It would be pleasant to go to some place where she was not
known, and enrol herself among the respectable members of the
community. She was growing old; she wanted rest and a quiet home.
Her early years had been passed in the country. She remembered still
the green fields in which she played as a child, and to this woman,
old and sin-stained, there came a yearning to have that life return.
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