"An income of three hundred pounds from the estate," said the lawyer. "If the matter comes to court, this Rugg, I am bound to tell you, has an ugly story to tell, in which you are implicated."
Mrs. Middleton knew well enough what it meant. If the conspiracy should be disclosed, she would be ostracised socially. She rapidly made up her mind.
"Mr. Barry," she said, "I will accept your terms, on a single condition."
"Name it, madame."
"That you will give me six weeks' undisturbed possession of the estate, keeping this matter secret meanwhile."
"If I knew your motive, I might consent."
"I will tell you in confidence. Within that time I am to be married. The abrupt disclosure of this matter might break off the marriage."
"May I ask the name of the bridegroom?"
"Captain Gregory Lovell."
The lawyer smiled. He knew of Captain Lovell, and owed him a grudge. He suspected that the captain was mercenary in his wooing, and he thought that it would be a fitting revenge to let matters go on.