"I think you should leave Mr. and Mrs. Walker to manage their own affairs," said Olivia indignantly.
"Oh dear me no," replied Lady Jabe calmly, "that would never do. A couple of babies, my dear Olivia, who need a firm hand. I'll look after them and receive a small sum for doing so. My late husband did not leave me well off," she went on confidentially, "so it is necessary that I should do the best for myself. But now, that's all settled and I'm glad you are pleased."
"Not with your proposed arrangement, Lady Jabe."
"Oh, yes you are, dear Olivia. Nothing could be better, whatever you may say. And now to talk of other and less pleasing matters. Miss Pewsey who robbed you of your inheritance, is about to leave Marport. Yes--you may look surprised: but she is selling Ivy Lodge and intends to go to America."
"In search of the doctor?" asked Mrs. Ainsleigh doubtfully.
"Quite so, I understand that Dr. Forge has gone there. But just think what a brazen women Miss Pewsey must be, to follow a man who left her--as you might say at the altar. Miss Pewsey is in London now making arrangements to sail for New York--so she told me yesterday. I wish her all joy," added Lady Jabe shaking her head, "but I fear the man will spend her money and leave her."
When Lady Jabe went, Olivia thought over the projected departure of Miss Pewsey on the trail of Dr. Forge, She was glad at heart, that her enemy was leaving Marport, but could not help thinking that the bitter little woman, was going out of her way to make trouble, for herself. And as Forge was wanted, for participation in Markham Ainsleigh's murder, Olivia though, she would inform her husband of his whereabouts, so that he might be brought back if necessary. But Rupert listened thoughtfully, and then replied after consideration.
"I won't move in the matter," he said calmly, "Forge behaved like a scoundrel, but as he has gone, I leave him in God's hands. He will get his deserts yet, Olivia."
"Will you send him the ten thousand pounds, Rupert?"
"No," said the young man decisively. "I shall certainly not do that. Forge deserves some punishment and shall have it, by being deprived of the money he sinned to obtain. He did not kill my poor father, but he certainly brought about his death indirectly. Leave him to God, Olivia. As for ourselves, we will get our own money from Lo-Keong, and restore the Abbey."