"Because she gives all her money to Percy. You let her do that," cried George wrathfully.
"How can I prevent it? Mr. Taverner does bleed her frightfully, but he's a trustee, and her nephew."
"So he can levy blackmail, grab all his aunt's money, ransack my home! He's above the law, while I'm crushed down by it. The kindest thing I can say about Percy is to call him a kleptomaniac, though I believe he's a pirate."
"I want you to tell me who really does own the house and furniture. And why are you going? I'm sure you wouldn't leave Highfield unless you had to. I promise not to tell anyone," said Nellie eagerly.
"Not even Sidney Brock?"
"You are not to mention his name to me. You know quite well I never see him now that he's given up the choir," said Nellie, flushing with shame, indignation, and other things.
"I should have said nothing if he hadn't written to you. I saw the postmark was Highfield—and of course I felt jealous," said George composedly.
"Yes, he did write, and asked me to meet him again. Just a selfish letter," snapped Nellie. "I'm not going to answer it. Now I've told you my secrets, and I expect to hear yours."
"I never did like the idea of keeping anything from you," said George doubtfully.
"Especially as Mr. Hunter would tell me everything, if I liked to write and inform him I cannot undertake my new duties until I have the whole position explained to me."