"Of course," said her husband, following her lead, "it is family money. She inherited it from my grandfather, and—but I want you to know, Miss Marsh, that my wife and I thoroughly appreciate all you did for my aunt. Money couldn't repay your care and devotion You've been perfectly wonderful."
"It's extremely good of you to say so."
"I think everyone who saw Miss Marsh with Miss Wickham must be aware that during the ten years she was with her she never spared herself." Mr. Wynne's eyes were on Mrs. Wickham.
"Of course my aunt was a very trying woman——" began James Wickham feebly. His wife headed him off.
"Earning one's living is always unpleasant; if it weren't there'd be no incentive to work."
This astonishing aphorism was almost too much for Nora's composure. She gave Mrs. Wickham an amused glance, to which that lady responded by beaming upon her in her most agreeable manner.
"My wife and I would be very glad to make some kind of acknowledgment of your services."
"I was just going to mention it," echoed Mrs. Wickham heartily.
Mr. Wynne's kindly face brightened visibly. He was glad they were going to do the right thing, after all. He had been a little fearful a few moments before. "I felt sure that in the circumstances——"
But Mrs. Wickham interrupted him quickly.