"No," said Carver dryly. "On the whole, I had rather you got the fifty thousand pounds than anyone else."
And then he conducted Dora to the door with a courtesy he had never extended before to any female client, and at which his clerks were greatly astonished. Congratulating herself on having thus made all safe, Dora went to see Allen. He was still unwell, but felt better than he had done on the previous day. He was surprised at her visit, and gathered from her bright looks that she had something of importance to communicate to him.
"What is it, Dora?" he asked anxiously; "good or bad news?"
"Good! You are safe!"
"Then you intend to marry Joad?" said Allen in a tone of despair.
"Indeed, I intend no such thing! Mr. Joad has other things to think about besides marriage."
"What other things?"
"How to save his neck. Yes, you may well look astonished, Allen. Joad, and none other, killed my guardian! Here is the proof!" and Dora flung the manuscript on the table.