"Certainly I do. It is the only way, so far as I can see, of being able to make sure of a little of the old patrimony being saved for them and you in the future."
"We are all determined to try for that," said Arthur. "My sister is busy turning an old dress into a new one for Mamma. I don't think she ever thought of doing such a thing before."
"No, indeed; but it is never too late to mend, tell the ladies, and if they save a pound, they gain a pound, so that if you all set your shoulders to the wheel in saving and earning what you can, why, I shall hope to pull some of the chestnuts out of the fire for you after all."
"You say Lady Mary came to advise that I should go to London. Has she the power to compel me to go away from this town?"
"Bless the lad, what do you mean by such a question? You haven't been robbing her, I suppose?"
Arthur laughed at the question. "Oh, no!" he said, "but I was never a favourite of my lady's. And I met Adrian as I was coming home this evening, and he said his mother had set her heart upon my going away, and she had the power to crush me and mine if I did not do as she bade me!"
"Tut, tut!" said the old man. "Mr. Adrian has been dreaming."
"Then there is really nothing she could do to interfere with Mamma and the girls if I choose to stay where I am?" said Arthur.
But instead of a prompt amused "Nothing, my lad," which was what Arthur expected to hear, the lawyer was silent for a full minute, and then uttered a prolonged "A—ah!" Then he added quickly, "But she'd never do it, even if the law would allow it."
"Then it is true," said Arthur sadly.