"But I wished to set your mind at rest," murmured Jerry, looking up with dove-like eyes. "I owe you so much, sir."
Julius smiled and patting his head, walked on to the drawing-room. It was a very pretty comedy, but Durham was not to be taken in. He knew well enough that the boy was a mere tool and a dangerous one. As a matter of fact, he did not know until later how dangerous the lad really could be.
Miss Berengaria and Alice were in the drawing-room, and both smiled a welcome when the two men entered. Alice darted a look of terror and repulsion at Beryl, but as he was shaking hands with the old lady he did not see it, else he might have suspected. Durham guessed this and touched her hand. She nodded, and when Julius shook hands with her she welcomed him again with a smile, although her very flesh crept when she touched him. As for Miss Berengaria, that indomitable old lady never turned a hair. She smiled and chatted, and was bland to Julius. He might have been her dearest friend from the amount of attention she bestowed on him.
"So poor Bernard is going to make his will," she said briskly. "I hope he has left Alice something."
"Five hundred a year, and the like amount to Mrs. Gilroy."
"Indeed, Mr. Durham; and why to Mrs. Gilroy?"
"Bernard looks upon her as a second mother," said Julius, hastily; "at least he told me so. Of course, I know nothing about her. I hope, however, she will reappear to claim her legacy."
"There may be no chance for anyone to claim legacies for a long time," said Miss Berengaria, tartly. "I hope Bernard will not die."
"I hope so also," said Alice, fervently; and she really meant it, even though she was thinking of the young scamp upstairs.
Julius shook his head. "Dr. Payne assures me he cannot live. I am glad he has decided to make this will."