“I believed so when I followed Mr. Effingham’s directions. I, for one, had not the slightest doubt at that time of the solvency of the firm.”
“And he—”
There was a long, painful silence; Clemence heard nothing but the throbbing of her own heart. When the lady spoke again her tone was strangely altered; there was in it no more of tremulous earnestness, but the calm resolution of despair.
“Mr. Mark, let me ask one more question. Is that money entirely at my own disposal?”
“It is so by the terms of the settlement.”
“Then I request you, acting in my name, to place the whole of it in the hands of the creditors.”
“My dear madam—”
“My resolution is quite fixed,” said Clemence, compressing her bloodless lips.
“But consider your position, that of the family—”
“I have resources of my own,” replied Clemence firmly; “and my step-daughters are already provided for.”