"But where would he go?"
"There are lots of places to go to--South Africa, South America, or Australia. With a thousand dollars and his passage money he might set himself up in some sort of business and get rich."
Mrs. Vernon's face brightened.
"If he would only do that I might be so glad! If he really made a man of himself I would not cut him out of my will."
"I would not allow him to be around where I was. He is too dangerous a young man. He may try to poison you next."
Mrs. Vernon shivered.
"Yes, and he may try poisoning you, too, Robert," she said. "I must be very careful. It would not be right for me to let you run any more risk. Perhaps you would prefer to leave my services."
"Mrs. Vernon, I will never leave you--at least, so long as you wish me to stay," he cried impulsively.
"You are a true friend, Robert, and I should not like to part with you. I will have a talk with Frederic as soon as he shows himself."
"I would like to be present at the interview, Mrs. Vernon."