"Do you intend to accompany them."
"No, I shall remain in London; but there must necessarily be some correspondence between us."
"And still—pray don't be angry—I am puzzled and curious as to your motive."
"Let me put it to you in this way, doctor. You see now and then in the papers an acknowledgment from the Chancellor of the Exchequer of a parcel of bank notes from X. Y. Z., for unpaid income tax. It is called conscience money. The difference is that I have wronged neither man nor woman, yet what I am doing is an affair of the conscience. Will not this content you."
"It must." Then after a pause, "You have seen trouble?"
"Few men have had harder trials, bitterer disappointments."
"I regret to hear it. And now, who is to acquaint the Camerons with your scheme?"
"You."
"I decline. I will give them the money you have entrusted with me, and I will make Miss Cameron understand that it is imperatively necessary that her mother be removed without delay. The rest is in your hands."
"Very well—though I should prefer it otherwise."