Theodora looked, if possible, more indifferent than John, as she answered,
‘John could not want it. I always thought you meant it for Arthur.’
‘Arthur! as if you did not know he had forfeited all claim upon me!’
‘His marriage is a reason for his needing it more,’ said Theodora.
‘It is of no use to speak of him. No, Theodora, you alone have acted as I could wish; and if you continue to deserve my regard—’
‘Don’t say that, Aunt Nesbit,’ said Theodora. ‘I shall act as, I hope, may deserve regard; but I don’t want anybody’s fortune, and if you left me yours it would be very unfair, and I certainly should give at least half of it to Arthur. I give you fair warning; but I did not come to talk of such hateful things, but to read to you.’
That afternoon Mrs. Nesbit wrote a letter to her lawyer, and surprised Miss Piper by asking if that puny child up-stairs had any name but John.
CHAPTER 10
Unschooled affections, strong and wild,
Have been my playmates from a child,
And strengthening in the breast unseen,
Poisoned the fount within.
—Thoughts in Past Years