Festing got up, moved a pace or two, and stopped. “How much has she got?”
Mrs. Dalton told him and he frowned. “Then she had better keep it. I'd sooner you tied it up.”
“Isn't that unreasonable?” Miss Graham asked.
“It's a man's business to support his wife. I don't want to live on Helen's money. Besides, I've made my plans.”
“I don't think you quite understand,” Mrs. Dalton rejoined. “After all, it is not a large sum and can be used for Helen's benefit. It may save her from some discomfort and give her advantages you could not provide.”
Festing pondered for a few moments, and then answered thoughtfully: “Yes, I see this, and can't refuse. Well, perhaps the safest way would be to transfer the land I bought to Helen and record it in her name. It's bound to go up in value and couldn't be taken from her unless she borrowed on a mortgage. The arrangement would set free my capital and enable us to run the homestead on more comfortable lines.” Then he paused and asked: “Did Charnock know about the money?”
“He did not,” said Mrs. Dalton. “We thought it better not to tell him; but we can trust you.”
“Thank you,” said Festing, who was silent for a time.
He had wondered whether he had misjudged Charnock in one respect, but saw that he had not. The fellow was a cur and would not have married Sadie if he had known about Helen's money. But this did not matter.
“Well,” he resumed, “if you agree to my proposition, we'll get a lawyer to fix it up. In a way, it's some relief to know Helen has enough, and now I'm going to talk to her.”