“Of course,” he muttered, “I deny everything you have said. But, if it were true, you must have some ulterior motive in approaching me. What is it?”
“I am glad you see that. I am here to offer terms.”
“Name them.”
“You must place this girl, Winifred Marchbanks, under my care—where she will remain until my son marries her—and make restitution of her mother’s property.”
“No doubt you have a definite sum in your mind?”
“Most certainly. My lawyers tell me you ought to refund the interest as well, but Winifred may content herself with the principal. You must hand her half a million dollars!”
He sprang to his feet, livid. “Woman,” he yelled, “you are crazy!”