“Why not, ma’am?”
“These lawyers are crafty. Before you knew what he was after he would extract the secret from you, and there would be trouble for both of us.”
“Do you think so, ma’am? I didn’t see nothing of it.”
“I think he suspects something. That matters nothing, if it does not go beyond suspicion. Unless he can impeach your testimony or draw you into contradictions we are safe, and you are sure of an income for life.”
“You needn’t be afraid for me, ma’am. We’re in the same boat.”
She frowned a little at the familiar tone in which he spoke. It was as if he put himself on an equality with her. But it was true, nevertheless, and it was unpleasant for her to think of.
Was there nothing else that was unpleasant? Did she not think of the poor boy, who, as she thought, was killed, and at her instigation? Yes, she thought of him, but as much as she could, she kept the subject away from her thoughts.
He’s better off,” she said to herself. “He didn’t know anything of the property, and he wasn’t fit to possess it. All the troubles of life are over for him.”
“What are your plans, Mr. Rugg?” she asked.
I have a mind to go down to Middleton Hall with