"I quite understand. Still, after two months' more or less of quiet she surely must be recovering. At her age one does not remember for ever."
"No. At our age one has longer memories, Mr. Vernon. But it is kind of you to call. Ida likes you very much, especially as you were such a friend of poor Mr. Dimsdale's. I think you might come in for a quarter of an hour."
Vernon hesitated. "I don't wish to disturb Ida," he said doubtfully, "if she wants to be quiet."
"Oh, she left the decision to me when we got your card. I am acting as a kind of nurse to the poor darling. Ida is just like my sister, you know."
"But your professional engagements?"
"They don't matter. I have made a good deal of money in one way and another, Mr. Vernon, you know. I can afford to take a rest. I want Ida to come down to Bowderstyke with me and stop at the Hall."
It flashed into Vernon's suspicious mind that perhaps Frances wished Ida to fall in love with her brother. Ten thousand a year would be very acceptable to Mr. Hest, if Colonel Towton's story was to be believed. According to him the brother was not a millionaire, and what money he had he spent lavishly in helping the parish. He remarked about this to Frances as she led him through the door at the end of the hall and into the boudoir, where Ida was lying.
"I hear from Colonel Towton that your brother is quite a philanthropist."
Frances laughed. "Oh, the Colonel has been talking, has he? My brother would be quite annoyed, as he never liked to be praised."
"Then he's not human," said Vernon bluntly.