At this conclusion, which struck her obliquely, though aimed at Alfred, Jane sighed gently, and her dream of earthly happiness seemed to melt away.
But Alfred ground his teeth, and replied with great bitterness and emotion: “I think, sir, you are the last man who ought to congratulate yourself on the affliction that has fallen on that unhappy family I aspire to enter, all the more that now they have calamities for me to share——”
“More fool you,” put in Mr. Hardie calmly.
“—For I much fear you are one of the causes of that calamity.”
Mr. Hardie assumed a puzzled air. “I don't see how that can be: do you, Jenny? Sampson told us the causes: a wound on the head, a wound in the arm, bleeding, cupping, &c.”
“There may be other causes Dr. Sampson has not been told of—yet”
“Possibly. I really don't know what you allude to.”
The son fixed his eyes on the father, and leaned across the table to him, till their faces nearly met.
“The fourteen thousand pounds, sir.”