She had become conscious of a folded paper, unlike in texture the certificates, lying on her lap. She must have inadvertently picked it from the strong box along with the bundle. It was endorsed “Lease of House at 73 Lester Road, Richmond, Surrey.” She opened it and read. . . .
“So he’s got a house at that place,” she reflected. “Well, it’s none o’ my business. I wonder if John kens. Likely no. . . . I’ll ha’ to try to put it back in the box—no! I’ll risk nothing for that scoundrel’s sake! He can want his lease!” She made to toss it into the fire, then drew back. “I’ll keep it in the meantime along wi’ the shares till the time comes for telling John. . . . The sooner they’re hid the better.” She rose, and stood wavering. “Oh, God, but I’m weak,” she whispered. “Help me to win through.”
* * * * *
It was late when her brother came in, begrimed and drenched. She had a meal all but ready for him.
“Tell me about it, John,” she said, as he came to the fire in dry garments. “I couldna gang—couldna bear to see it.”
“Ye would ha’ seen a grand blaze,” he returned bitterly. “There’s nothing left—new machinery and all!”
“Well, well,” she said soothingly, “it’s a fine thing an insurance policy.”
“Very fine—when ye’ve paid the premium.”
Stopping short in her hospitable task, she stared at him. “But ye ha’ paid it a month back!”
“Did I? . . . The days o’ grace were up three weeks back, but—but I had—ower many other things to think about.” A groan burst from him, he put his hands to his head. “Three thousand pound gone up in three hours!”