Verrinder was calm. “Sir Joseph’s will doubtless left the bulk of his fortune to them. That will provide for their finances. And they have two grandparents left. The Oakbys will surely be glad to take the children in, especially as they will come with such fortunes.”
“You mean that I am to have no more to do with them?”
“I think it would be best to remove them to a more strictly English influence.”
This hurt her horribly. She grew impatient for the finishing blow.
“And now that they are disposed of, have you decided what’s to become of me?”
“It is not for me to decide. By the by, have you any one to represent you or intercede for you here, or act as your counsel in England?”
She shook her head. “A good many people have been very nice to me, of course. I’ve noticed, though, that even they grew cold and distant of late. I’d rather die than ask any of them.”
“But have you no relatives living––no one of importance in the States who could vouch for you?”
She shook her head with a doleful humility.