“Then let us go with the accounts to Mr. Palmer, who is also ready, I am sure.”
“But, before we go,” said Mrs. Beaumont, whispering, “let us settle what is to be said about the debts—your debts you know. I fancy you’ll agree with me, that the less is said about this the better; and that, in short, the best will be to say nothing.”
“Why so, madam? Surely you don’t think I mean to conceal my debts from our friend Mr. Palmer, at the very moment when I profess to tell him all my affairs, and to settle accounts with him and you, as my guardians!”
“With him? But he has never acted, you know, as one of the guardians; therefore you are not called upon to settle accounts with him.”
“Then why, ma’am, did you urge him to come down from London, to be present at the settlement of these accounts?”
“As a compliment, and because I wish him to be present, as your father’s friend; but it is by no means essential that he should know every detail.”
“I will do whichever you please, ma’am; I will either settle accounts with or without him.”
“Oh! with him, that is, in his presence, to be sure.”
“Then he must know the whole.”
“Why so? Your having contracted such debts will alter his opinion of your prudence and of mine, and may, perhaps, essentially alter—alter—”