“Of course you know your own affairs best, but——” She paused, evidently changing her mind, and, being one of the sweetest women in the world, rose, and kissing Edith, said: “My dear, I hope you will both be very happy, and, after all, as Mr. Gascoyne says, position and wealth are not everything.”
I think the dear lady derived a certain satisfaction from the idea that our quartet would not be broken up. Certain it was that her rancour, if it could be called by such a harsh name, was short lived, and she entered into our schemes very heartily.
The next morning at the office Mr. Gascoyne called me into his private room.
“My wife and I have been talking things over, and we think it just as well that you should be told our intentions towards you. I hope this business will be yours one day, and I am sure there is no one we should wish to benefit more by what we have to leave than Edith’s and your children.”
I stammered out my thanks, for I was really moved, and for a moment could not help thinking of the son he had hoped would succeed him.
Chapter XVIII
But I had to tell Sibella.
I looked forward to this task with little relish. I had never seen her in a really bad temper, but I was certain that she could be violent. That was not all. She might break off our little affair, and my heart almost stopped beating as I thought of the possibility. It was essential, however, that I should tell her before she learned it from anyone else. A woman can always bear unpleasant news from the man she loves.
I found her alone and in a bad temper, complaining loudly of her woes. She was being dunned for some bills Lionel knew nothing about. They were living too extravagantly, she declared. They knew far too many rich people. Why were old Mr. and Mrs. Holland such a long time dying? She did not suppose for one moment they enjoyed their life. How could they?
She then wanted to know almost fiercely why I was not rich. I ought to pay some of her debts. It was only fair. Other people made money, why could not I?