“No, papa, and I did not mean to listen. But I was so shocked. Mrs Glencairn and Miss Robina have been very kind to us, papa, and they must be paid.”
“I have not the least doubt that they have been paid, over and over again. Let them alone for that!”
“Did you pay them, papa?”
“No. I did not give the money to them, but I have a distinct recollection of its being provided.”
“So have I, papa. Mama was obliged to ask Mr St. Cyr for more money, and she said it was very painful, and she could not do it again.”
“All that relates to Mr St. Cyr’s connection with our affairs is painful. You are old enough now, Frederica, to understand that it was never with my consent that he had to do with—with our affairs—with your grandfather’s property. I can do nothing. If things go wrong, it is not my fault. I protested against such an arrangement at the time, and—and washed my hands of them. And it is a matter with which you can have nothing to do.”
“Except about Mrs Glencairn’s money, papa. I must have to do with that, you know. Tell me what I must do, papa.”
“You can do nothing. There must be some mistake. A year and a half! It would be a large sum.”
“Yes, indeed! But, papa, don’t you think it possible that—that Mrs Ascot may have made some mistake?”
“She may certainly have made a mistake. I will see that it is put right. But you can do nothing, and you must not try. You will only make matters worse.”