"Certainly; although you would of course bring no message of which you didn't approve."
"I am not asked whether I approve or disapprove. It is the decision of the Father Superior that it should be said; and that is the whole of it."
"Well," she inquired, as he paused, unable to go on, "after this tremendous preamble, what is it?"
It seemed to Maurice that he could not say it; but he cleared his throat, and forced himself to look her in the face.
"It has to do with your inheritance of the—your inheritance through
Mrs. Frostwinch."
"My inheritance? What do you mean?" she demanded, suddenly becoming grave.
As briefly as possible he explained to her the errand which had been given to him. He could see indignation gathering in her look.
"But who has told Father Frontford that Mrs. Frostwinch is so ill?" she broke out at last. "Cousin Anna is not so well since she came from the South, but that is all. It is shameful to be speculating on her death and disposing of her property as if she were buried already! I wonder at you!"
Wynne smiled bitterly.
"I have already said that I had nothing whatever to do with the matter," he answered.