"Herbert! What do you mean?"
Mr. Nash kicked a pebble with his toe; then he whistled to himself; then he said, just as her patience was at an end--
"It's a bit awkward to explain, but it's this way; Banyard and I have been going through his books and papers, and everything there was to go through; and there was a good deal, as you know; and we haven't come on anything which points to money or money's worth. I've been putting two and two together, and I rather think I understand the situation; when all's over and settled I shouldn't be surprised if Miss Lindsay would be very glad indeed to have your little fortune."
"My--my little fortune?"
"I'm alluding to the snug little legacy left you by your venerated aunt."
"It's--it's impossible!"
"More impossible things have happened; and I think I'm almost inclined to bet twopence that her fortune's nearer two thousand shillings than two thousand pounds."
"Herbert! Herbert!"
"What's the matter? Why, little girl, you mustn't take on like that; what a sensitive little thing it is! it'll be through no fault of yours if she's left penniless! She's never been over nice to me, and I'm sure I shan't worry myself into an early grave if she is."
"You don't understand!" she wailed. "You don't understand."