“Our young ladies treasure the illusion that there are ghosts at your house” she said, with a smile that disposed of the matter.
She folded her slim white hands on her knees and spoke with a simple directness.
“Mr. Glenarm, there is something I wish to say to you, but I can say it only if we are to be friends. I have feared you might look upon us here as enemies.”
“That is a strong word,” I replied evasively.
“Let me say to you that I hope very much that nothing will prevent your inheriting all that Mr. Glenarm wished you to have from him.”
“Thank you; that is both kind and generous,” I said with no little surprise.
“Not in the least. I should be disloyal to your grandfather, who was my friend and the friend of my family, if I did not feel kindly toward you and wish you well. And I must say for my niece—”
“Miss Devereux.” I found a certain pleasure in pronouncing her name.
“Miss Devereux is very greatly disturbed over the good intentions of your grandfather in placing her name in his will. You can doubtless understand how uncomfortable a person of any sensibility would be under the circumstances. I’m sorry you have never met her. She is a very charming young woman whose happiness does not, I may say, depend on other people’s money.”
She had never told, then! I smiled at the recollection of our interviews.