He said it would, with the mental reservation that it did not amount to
what he had been defrauded of by Mr Pennycuick (she had made a mistake
in the designation of her gift); but the slight coolness of his
acknowledgement quickly gave place to grateful fervour as he realised
what the immediate five hundred pounds would do for him, and read in
her words an implication that the sum was but an instalment of what she
felt to be his due. He was incoherent in his thanks and benedictions as
he slipped the cheque into his pocket.

"And you will let me have Mary at Redford?"

"Oh, yes! She will not want to go, but I shall make her."

"And do not tell her more than you can help about this little private
transaction. She might feel--"

"I will tell her nothing that is likely to vex her."

"Do not--PRAY do not. Only take these sordid worries off her
shoulders, and give her what she needs, and don't let her toil and
moil. Remember, it is for her I do it." There was a little sting in
that last remark, but he was too happy to feel it.




CHAPTER XXII.