“Not quite that,” said Jim; “the law gives to the widow the home and the life insurance. That is a good deal more than nothing.”
“As to whether we can keep that,” said Josie, “we are not discussing now; but there are some other things we should like cleared up.”
“We don’t understand Mr. Cornish’s offer to take the property and pay the debts,” said Mrs. Trescott.
Jim’s glance sought mine in a momentary and questioning astonishment; then he calmly returned the widow’s look. Josie’s eyes were turned toward the carpet, and a slight blush tinged her cheeks.
“Ah,” said Jim, “yes; Mr. Cornish’s offer. How did you learn of it?”
“I got my understanding of it from Mr. Lattimore,” said Mrs. Trescott, “and told Josie about it.”
“Before we consent to carry out this plan,” said Josie, “we ... I want to know all about the motives and considerations back of it. I want to know whether it is based on purely business considerations, or on some fancied obligation ... or ... or ... on merely friendly sentiments.”
“As to motives,” said Mr. Elkins, “if the purely business requirements of the situation fully account for the proposition, we may waive the discussion of motives, can’t we, Josie?”
“I imagine,” said Mrs. Trescott, finding that Jim’s question remained unanswered, “that none of us will claim to be able to judge Mr. Cornish’s motives.”
“Certainly not,” acquiesced Mr. Elkins. “None of us.”