"No. Clever as Daniel is, my disease seems to baffle him. He says that I may live for years, but I don't think that is likely, Clarry, dear. However, should I die suddenly, everything is straight. You and Ferdy will get your money within a week of my death."
"Dear, don't talk of your death."
"I must. It is just as well, Clarry, that you should know how matters stand. I have arranged that you will control Ferdy's money, as I have the power to do by your father's will. I was appointed sole guardian, and the will enables me to appoint another guardian should I die. But I shall not do that. I shall arrange, and have arranged, as my lawyer will tell you, to give you the whole four thousand pounds a year. You will be, so to speak, your own guardian, and Ferdy's also."
"You don't trust Ferdy, then, Uncle Henry?" she asked, in a low voice.
"No, dear," he patted her hand. "You are the clever one. Ferdy is unstable. I have seen that for many years, and so I placed him with Daniel, who will keep the boy straight. Ferdy is like your poor father, charming and weak; you more resemble your dear mother, who was my first and my last love. I never married because of your mother."
"I know, dear." Clarice kissed the cold hand tenderly, as she knew of this romance. She was the sole person to whom Horran ever spoke of the matter. He maundered on dreamily. "I told Daniel of my will, and he was not pleased. He said that a woman should not possess such power, as she was incapable of exercising it."
"Oh, indeed," said Clarice, flushing angrily. "I think Dr. Jerce will find me perfectly capable. I am glad that you have made me Ferdy's guardian, Uncle Henry, as he certainly needs a guiding hand. Have you told him about the will, dear?"
"No, I only told Daniel, who was displeased. But then he says that I may live for years. He spoke kindly, too, though he is wrong in believing I shall recover. Daniel and I have always been friends. We only quarrelled once, and that was over your mother. But she married Baird, and left us both in the cold. But for you, dear Clarry, I should have had a lonely life, my dear."
Clarice rose and moved towards the bell. "Let me call Chalks to put you to bed again, Uncle Henry. You are quite drowsy."
"No! no!" The invalid grew testy, sudden changes of mood being a characteristic of his unknown disease. "I'm comfortable here. And I want to see Daniel. Where is Daniel?"