things happen, and if we can’t prevent them, we may as well profit by them.”
“Of course I shall not refuse what has fallen in my way,” said Mrs. Middleton; “but I had formed the plan, if I found the boy alive, of bringing him home and educating him for his position. He would not have let me want.”
“Don’t she do it well, though?” thought Rudolph, who heard all this with a cynical admiration for the ex-governess. “If I was a gentleman I’d make up to her, and make her Mrs. Rugg if she’d say the word.”
“You think this man’s evidence will substantiate my claim to the estate?” she asked, after a pause.
I should say there was no doubt on that point, unless, of course, his evidence is impeached or contradicted.”
“That is hardly likely, Mr. Brief. The poor man suffered much at the death of the boy, to whom he was ardently attached.”
“So you loved the boy, Mr. Rugg?” said the lawyer.
Oh, uncommon!” answered Rudolph. “He was my pet, and the apple of my eye. We were always together, Tony and I.”
“And I suppose he loved you?”
“He couldn’t bear me out of his sight. He looked upon me as a father, sir.”