“Why, proofs that there is really something to this fortune. Maurice has talked too much about others that have nothing to them.”
“You see him often, then,” exclaimed Sydney eagerly. “He’s here, perhaps.”
“S’h!” commanded the old Lady in a stern whisper. “Yes, he is here. He is in the back room yonder. I am so afraid he will hear us. That is why I had you come at midnight, when he would be sound asleep.”
“But why can I not see him?”
“Because he is weak—weak in his mind. He is all the while fancying that he is rich. A talk about money would excite him so that I fear the consequences.”
“And you say he knew Mr. Tyler?” Sydney remembered and spoke this name very softly.
“Yes, he talks of him continually now.”
“Was he in his office once?”
“Yes, I believe so.”
“One more question. Has this Mr. Darley any children?”