He turned to the desk and wrote something on a piece of paper. ‘Here. A little parting gift. It’s an instruction to the staff to allow you to choose whatever you need to furnish you for your journey. A suitcase, for a start, and a new dress, something suitable for a warm climate, shoes and underwear – and a hat of course. You can choose one of your own creations.’

‘Oh, that isn’t necessary,’ she murmured, ‘but thank you. And thank you for all you’ve done for me.’

‘Do you want me to inform Miss Jones?’

She hesitated, then nodded. ‘Yes, I think that would be best.’ There was a brief, awkward pause and then he leaned down and kissed her cheek. ‘Take care of yourself, dear May.’

Later that evening, her new clothes and all her other possessions packed into a new suitcase, May found a quiet corner and took out paper and pen.

Dear James,

This letter will be a shock to you, but I am afraid there is nothing I can do to make it easier. I am leaving for Australia on the Royal Standard at ten o’clock tomorrow morning. I have had a letter from my brother telling me that the father we thought was dead is alive and has struck gold. He is now a wealthy man and he wants me and Gus to live with him.

I think this is the best solution for both of us. You know I love you, and I think you believe you love me, but I am afraid that that would not last when you are faced with the reality of having a wife whose background you are ashamed of. I could not live with the fear that that might happen. This way we shall both be free and I am sure that once I am out of sight and out of mind, you will find someone much more suitable to marry.

I know that this is going to cause you pain and, believe me, it hurts me almost beyond bearing, but I’m sure it is for the best. Please try to forget me and find your happiness elsewhere.

With my love,
May

She sealed the letter, put a stamp on it and carried it to the postbox. She told no one else about her plans. She could not bear the thought of explanations and tearful farewells; so no one came to see her off.