“It wasn’t his business—it had nothing to do with Aunt Susan’s death,” she stated incoherently. “And,” with a slow, painful blush, “our poverty, our painful economies were bad enough without discussing them in public.”
“Oh!” Craige cast a doubtful look at Rodgers, but the latter’s expressionless face gave the keen-witted lawyer no clue as to his opinion of Kitty’s statement. “Kitty, were you your aunt’s nearest relative?”
“Yes. Ben Potter is a second cousin, I believe.” Kitty paused. “Ben has not been here very much lately.”
“Since his marriage, you mean?” asked Craige.
Kitty glanced up and then away. “Yes. Aunt Susan poked fun at him at the time of his marriage, said she did not care for ‘poor whites,’ and Ben was very angry.”
“Was there ever an open quarrel?”
“Oh, no. Outwardly, they were good friends; and they dined here usually once a month,” Kitty explained. “But relations were strained a little bit.”
“Could you not make Ben and Nina a visit when they return from New York?” asked Craige.
“I can, if I wish,” with quick resentment. “But I prefer to stay in this house.”