“Do you suppose he did go south?”
“He might—after this affair here.”
“They didn’t say what part of the south he went to?”
“They said Florida. But Florida is pretty big, you know,” and Dave smiled faintly.
“Jessie is awfully downcast over this, and so is Mrs. Wadsworth—in fact, we all are.”
“I know it, Laura.” Dave drew a long breath. “It’s awfully hard to sit still and do nothing. I imagine Mr. Wadsworth can’t sleep for thinking of the affair.”
“I heard Mrs. Wadsworth talking last night to him. I didn’t mean to listen, Dave, but before I could get away I heard her say that if it was necessary she would give up this house to live in and move to a smaller place! Think of it! Why, her very heart is set on this house and these fine grounds! And Jessie thinks the world of them, too!”
“It would be awfully hard if they did have to give them up, Laura.”
“Dave, can’t father or Uncle Dunston help them, if they need help?”
“They have helped Mr. Wadsworth already—loaned him twenty thousand dollars so that he could put that new addition to the works. They also indorsed his note covering the safe return of the jewels. If those jewels aren’t gotten back, and Mr. Wadsworth can’t make good on that note, father and Uncle Dunston will have to pay the money.”