There was silence for some time, and then Frederica said hesitatingly,—
“I am afraid, papa—that Mrs Ascot is not a very good woman.”
Mr Vane looked at her without speaking.
“I mean that she is too clever to make mistakes—that she must know if—if there is anything wrong about the money.”
“She is clever, but she is not too clever to make mistakes. She has made one now—she will find.”
“I think so, papa. Mrs Glencairn could not have been mistaken. She must know, of course. And, papa—it is not pleasant to speak about—but I don’t think Mrs Ascot is nice with mama and Lina. I mean she is not considerate.”
“That will do, Fred. We won’t discuss Madame Ascot. It was not by my will that she was brought into the house. Your grandfather—but I can’t speak to you about all that. Go home, or go back to your school. This matter shall be cleared up and put right.”
“To-day, papa? Papa, I shall be ashamed to look at Miss Robina till this money is paid. Can you not give it to me to take back to-day? Please do, dear papa.”
Mr Vane laughed a very unpleasant laugh.
“Don’t be foolish, Fred. I have not the money to give you to-day, or any day. I must speak to Mrs Ascot: there must be some mistake. She and your mother have always managed these things, with Mr St. Cyr’s help. I can do nothing.”