"Poor girl she told me so herself. What could any young girl do to have such a punishment meted out to her? She ought to be here in your place, Miss Keys; she ought to be here in my place. You and I are not wanted in this establishment."
"Oh, why do you say that? Mrs. Aylmer must have a companion."
"Well, you can please yourself, of course; but I cannot stay to see injustice done to another."
"You cannot force Mrs. Aylmer to leave her money except where she pleases. She dislikes Miss Aylmer; she will have nothing to do with her, and she will be very angry with you. You refuse the money and you do not make things any better for Miss Aylmer. Mrs. Aylmer can leave her money to charities. It is easily disposed of."
Trevor sat quite still, gazing out into the summer night. After a pause he walked towards the window and closed it. He fastened the bolts and drew down the blinds; then he turned to Bertha and held out his hand.
"I thought you could have counselled me, but I see you are not on my side," he said. "Good night."
"There is only one thing I must add," said Bertha.
"What is that?"
"If you deliberately choose to injure yourself you must not injure me."
"What do you mean by that? How can I possibly injure you?"