"Mother," interrupted Beatrice, "I think Mrs. Bertram is tired."
"Well, my pet, and you want the old lady to stop her chatter. You try the Life Pills, Mrs. Bertram, I'll wait in the next room for Bee. She has a word to say to you."
When they were alone together Beatrice went and knelt by Mrs. Bertram's sofa.
"So you never loved my son. Beatrice?" said Mrs. Bertram, raising her heavy eyes, and looking at her.
"I did not, I consented to marry him because I was silly and thought I could do him good. I was saved just in time from making a grave mistake. Josephine loves him."
"You think she will do him good?"
"The greatest, the best. They were meant for one another. They ought to lead happy lives together."
"Beatrice, I have heard—I don't know how to thank you—I have heard what you have done with some—some of your money. I don't know how to thank you, child. You have saved Loftus and me."
Beatrice bent forward and kissed Mrs. Bertram on her cheek.
"I am glad," she said in a simple, quiet voice. "My father would be glad too. I am abundantly content."