Mrs. Gordon moved to her side and took her hand.
“It is very terrible for you—for us all, dear,” she said. “You must listen to what Mr. Pinnock says, and make up your mind. He can advise you best what to do.”
Again Pinnock went through the case. As a full understanding broke in on her, she drew herself up; the look of distress and perplexity left her face, and her eyes were full of scorn and anger.
“Hello, what’s coming now?” thought Pinnock. “I hope she says nothing rash.”
She tried to speak once or twice, but the words seemed to choke her.
“What do you advise me to do, Mr. Pinnock?” she said, turning to him suddenly.
“I advise you to give me power to act for you in the matter as I think best,” said Pinnock, who saw that matters were likely to slip beyond his control. “From what Mr. Blake tells me, I daresay this woman can give you a lot of trouble and annoyance. Whatever you pay her, you won’t miss the money. You will save the family here from being turned out; you will avoid scandal; and if there should be any foundation for Mr. Blake’s story, it may mean that if you don’t settle you lose everything.”
From him Mary Grant turned to the old lady.
“Mrs. Gordon,” she said, “do you advise me to pay this money?”
“My dear, I don’t advise at all. Don’t consider us in the matter at all. It is for you to say.”