“On the contrary, he barely subsists on a very poor business.”
“Then what was he doing at Monte Carlo?”
“He had to go over there on business for another client – to watch a scapegrace young spendthrift, I believe. While there he recognised Mrs Wemysson, and speedily became quite familiar. The widow at first professed to dislike him very much, but apparently got over her dislike, and entered no protest when he proclaimed himself madly in love with her ward.”
“Can you give me any clue to this man’s influence over the widow, Mr Wigan?”
“Not the slightest. I only know that the influence was very evident, and that although Mrs Wemysson’s temper became very trying towards Alice, she submitted very quietly to a somewhat impertinent reproof from Mr Jackson.”
“Concerning what did he reprove her?”
“He told her that she had lost quite enough at the tables, and that she had better not gamble any more.”
“What banker do the Wemysson’s patronise?”
“The National and Provincial Bank.”
“Thank you. I believe that is all I wish to ask you at present, Mr Wigan. I will look into the case, and let you know the results as soon as possible.”