"My dear, how sharp the City makes you business men," she observed.
Heathmoor seemed to have done pretty well in that line for her, but he did not draw attention to that.
"I don't think I feel inclined to make any further provision over that," he said. "Edith is coming to me, I must remind you, quite portionless."
A sudden resentment at her attitude seized him.
"Or how would it be if you and I both insured our lives for, let us say, ten thousand pounds," he suggested, "and settled it on her?"
Mrs. Hancock became dignified.
"At my death," she said, "she already comes into a considerable fortune."
"Very well. I quite agree with you that no further provision is necessary."
Mrs. Hancock had not much liked the reminder that Edith came portionless to him, and did not want that section of the argument—for it really was becoming an argument—pursued further. She retreated into her stronghold of satisfaction again.
"And now about the allowance you will make her?" she asked genially.