“Poor Alice!” she said, “I wish I had known her.”
“I can't quite make it all out,” Frank said thoughtfully. “Alice certainly was quiet, and looked ill for some time after that row I had with Captain Bradshaw. But she was looking better and brighter again lately, and since I have been engaged to you she has been more natural and affectionate again with me. Whatever she may have felt, I am certain that she will be as sorry for this insane conduct of my uncle's as I am. I wish I could see her and have a chat with her; but Fred tells me that my uncle has made her give him a solemn promise not to meet me, or even to speak to me if she accidentally comes across me. So you see, Katie, there is nothing to be done but to take matters quietly, and to trust in their coming right in the end.”
His wife was silent for some time. Presently she said, “You won't be vexed at my asking you a question, Frank?”
“No, Katie.”
“You promise?”
Frank nodded.
“You and Mr. Bingham are the two nearest relations to Captain Bradshaw, are you not?”
“Yes, dear.”
“Then, in the event of your uncle permanently quarrelling with you, I suppose Fred Bingham will be his heir?”