"We don't appear to be friends," said the doctor.
"I don't see how you can expect it," replied Rupert coldly, "you marry Miss Pewsey next month, and she has been, and is, Olivia's bitter enemy."
"I am aware that my future wife is prejudiced," said he deliberately, "but I assure you Rupert, she did not scheme for that money."
Ainsleigh scoffed. "Why she spied on Olivia and told Miss Wharf, what we would rather had been kept silent."
"I don't think you acted quite fairly towards Miss Wharf."
"That is my business. I don't intend to defend myself," was the young man's reply, "did you come to discuss this matter?"
"No. I came to ask how this matter would effect your future."
"In what way?"
"In the way you stand with your creditors."
Rupert did not reply immediately. The two were walking on the lawn, but Rupert entered the door of the Abbey and strolled round the ruins with Forge by his side. He mistrusted the man intensely. "I should like to know if you are my friend?" he asked, giving utterance to this mistrust.