"I hardly know what to say to that request," he answered.
"I did not suppose you would be prejudiced against me by Mrs. Tilton's false and groundless accusations," said Rose, with a troubled air.
"I am not. That is not the point. I am only questioning the expediency of your teaching at all."
"But I know of no better way of earning a livelihood."
"Still, it is not customary for wealthy young ladies to take pupils."
"I don't understand you, Mr. Codicil," said Rose, bewildered.
"Then I will no longer keep you in suspense. Your poor cousin, Philip, is dead, and you inherit your grandfather's fortune—that is, you, your sister, and brother."
"When did poor Philip die?" asked Rose, unaffectedly shocked. "It must have been very sudden."
"On the contrary, he died last year."