“I have promised to do it. It will be much more convenient.”
Mrs. Knox looked sullen, and bit her lips. “How large a share are you to have?”
“I go in as full partner.”
“Oh, I am so glad!” cried out Miss Mina—for they all liked their good-natured brother. “Arnold, perhaps you’ll go and get married now!”
“Perhaps I may,” he answered.
Mrs. Knox dropped her book in the sudden fright. If Arnold married, he might want his house—and turn her out of it! He read the fear in her face.
“We may make some arrangement,” said he quietly. “You shall still occupy it and pay me a small nominal rent—five pounds a-year, say—which I shall probably return in toys for the children.”
The thought of his marriage had always lain upon her with a dread. “Who is the lady?” she asked.
“The lady? Oh, I can’t tell you, I’m sure. I have not asked any one yet.”
“Is that all!”