"Paul is weak and frivolous, but is no fool; he will not believe it."
"Not if it is told him by his friend who has such influence over him, and on whose integrity he relies so thoroughly?--not if it is told him by Dr. Wainwright's son?"
"He might if it were told him by Dr. Wainwright himself," said Mrs. Derinzy, hesitating.
"And don't you think that George Wainwright has sufficient influence with his father to make him do as he wishes?" asked Mrs. Stothard.
"Has anyone sufficient influence with George Wainwright to make him help in our scheme?"
"Time will show," said Mrs. Stothard. "Now that we understand each other, I think you had better leave this affair wholly in my hands. You know me well enough to be certain that I shall do my best to serve you."
"That was the best way to settle it," said Mrs. Stothard to herself as she walked towards her own room. "It was necessary to face it out--it would have been impossible to make her believe that Paul could have been kept in ignorance of the secret. And yet she is weak enough to think a man like George Wainwright would suffer himself to take part in such a wretched scheme as this, and compromise his own honour and his friend's happiness! However, it will amuse her, and give me time to mature my own plans. I rather think the notion that I hit on this morning will be the best one to work out after all; the best one, that is to say, for all I care--for Fanny and myself. Ah, who is this coming in from the garden? 'Tis Mr. Wainwright. I wonder what he thinks of me; his look last night was anything but flattering; now we shall see. Goodmorning, sir."
"Goodmorning to you, nurse; how is your charge this morning?"
"My charge? Oh, you mean Miss Annette. She's very well indeed; I think she seems to have benefited very much by the change which the arrival of company has brought to the house."
"Company! Mr. Paul can scarcely be considered company in his own home, and I fear I am not much company."