“No, indeed! Earle shall have twice that, if you would like. I do not need so much money, for I have papa to take care of me, you know.”
Richard Forrester’s lips curled slightly at her last words. No one knew better than he how Sumner Dalton had been able to provide as handsomely as he had for his family during the past years. But he said, positively:
“No, Editha, just ten thousand and no more; and, if he is the man I think he is, he will double it himself in a little while. Earle Wayne will make a noble man, but—there is some mystery connected with his early life.”
“A mystery! Of what nature?”
“I do not know; he would not tell me, and that business of his that he went to transact on the day before the robbery, you remember, he said was connected with his past, and he would not reveal it; and that was one reason why the trial went against him.”
“Yes, I remember; and I have often wondered what it could be,” the young girl answered, thoughtfully.
“You are perfectly willing that he should have a portion of your fortune?” he asked, regarding her intently.
“Not only willing, but very glad, Uncle Richard,” she replied, heartily.
He heaved a sigh of relief, as if that was a burden off his mind.
“He could not legally claim anything, even if he knew of my wish to give him this, because my will leaves you everything but you will settle upon him this amount as soon as his time is out?”