Some time afterwards Ledward joined Mrs. Haigh, and she stopped at a bench in a quiet sunny spot.
“Have you heard the doctor’s opinion?” she inquired.
“I have not. Jasper does not talk about his illness. All the same, he does not seem to get much better.”
“His illness is awkward for you, and no doubt implies extra labor and responsibility. In fact, one feels you bear some strain. You’re preoccupied and you get thin.”
“I don’t know if it’s a drawback,” said Ledward, smiling, and pondered for a few moments. He thought he saw where Mrs. Haigh led, and he had waited for a sign.
“My load is rather heavy,” he resumed. “Jasper has good servants, but each was required to stick to his particular job, and the control was single. Jasper alone knew the plans, and although the company’s a limited company, he, so to speak, held the reins. Now he’s forced to let go, the consequences are embarrassing. Since he’s remarkably keen, I expect he knew he ought to have an understudy. We of course thought Kit the man——”
“Ah,” said Mrs, Haigh, “Kit is rather dull and he’s obstinate. When he indicated that he did not want the part his uncle was perhaps entitled to be offended.”
“At all events, he offered me the part, and I saw no reason to refuse. The trouble is, I’m not an engineer, but I begin to understand the rather complicated business, and by and by I hope some difficulties will vanish. In the meantime, I think my employer’s satisfied.”
“If he does not get better, you will have control. In fact, it may be yours for good,” Mrs. Haigh remarked in a thoughtful voice.
Ledward felt she gave him his cue, and he resolved to play up.