"The lions will wait," said Lewis gravely. Then Sir Evas spoke a few words to the Station Master, after which both men hurried into the fly.
"It might have been worse, but Ingram says it was a near shave for Toney. However, now the fire is got under. She saved her aunt's life, Ingram says. What a fright I had, but Toney's safe; I'm as fond of that girl as if she was my own."
"Of course," said Lewis, "I'm sure she never thought of herself."
"Always was foolhardy—but coming down I was reading a letter from Staines, he's terribly upset. What do you think Toney did yesterday?"
"Yesterday! Was she in town?"
"Yes, I forgot to say so—Staines said she insisted on making an immediate deed of gift to that confoun—well, that Stone House of hers of £30,000, and to think of all the time I wasted on that girl's money affairs! It's preposterous! I don't wonder Staines is nearly off his head!"
"A deed of gift of £30,000!" repeated Lewis turning towards Sir Evas with a flash of joy in his eyes.
"Yes, I thought you'd be as surprised as I am. Worse—Staines said he would tell me—out of the remainder, she's given my wife £2,000 principal and interest, and at her death it's to go on to your Cousin Maud."
"To Maud!"
"Yes, Toney's very fond of Maud, and—you know I expect she thought it would help you."