“I am, unfortunately, a poor man,” Aynesworth continued, “but I have some friends who are well off, and I could lay my hands upon a little ready money. I should like to discuss the matter with you and see if we cannot arrange something to give her a start in life.”
The clergyman cleared his throat.
“It is quite unnecessary,” he answered. “A connection of her father’s has come forward at the last moment, who is able to do all that is required for her. Her future is provided for.”
Aynesworth was a little taken aback.
“I am very glad to hear it,” he declared. “I understood that she had neither friends nor relations.”
“You were misinformed,” the other answered. “She has both.”
“May I ask who it is who has turned up so unexpectedly?” Aynesworth inquired. “I have taken a great fancy to the child.”
The clergyman edged a little towards the door, and the coldness of his manner was unmistakable.
“I do not wish to seem discourteous,” he said, “but I cannot recognize that you have any right to ask me these questions. You may accept my word that the child is to be fittingly provided for.”
Aynesworth felt the color rising in his cheeks.