"But it is unfair. It cannot be right. I will not accept it."
"Is that kind to your mother? You left off your professional studies in order to take your present position. You thought of your mother at the time. You have often spoken to me about her and your great love for her."
"I love her, and because I love her I cannot accept the present state of things."
"Why did you accept them in the beginning?"
"I knew nothing of Florence Aylmer: she is the rightful heiress."
"Do you think, if you refuse all this wealth, that she will inherit it?"
"Why not? She ought to inherit it. But there, I have spoken to you; I have but little more to say. My mind is made up. No objections you can urge will make me alter what I have firmly resolved to do. I shall talk to Mrs. Aylmer about her niece to-morrow. I will show her how wrong she is. I will ask her to put that wrong right."
Bertha gave a low laugh. The fear which had risen again in her breast was not allowed to appear; she knew that she must be very careful or she would betray herself. She thought for a moment; then she said softly: "You must do as you please. After all, this is scarcely my affair; but I will tell you what I know."
"What is that?"
"Florence Aylmer at one time did something which offended Mrs. Aylmer."