‘We will, Barbara.’
She took his hand and pressed it between both hers.
‘But,’ she said hesitatingly, ‘what if Mr. Coyshe——’ She did not finish the sentence.
‘Wait till Mr. Coyshe claims her.’
‘He is engaged to her, so of course he will, the more readily now that she is such a poor crushed worm.’
Jasper said nothing. He knew Mr. Coyshe better than Barbara, perhaps. He had taken his measure when he went with him over the farm after the signing of the will.
‘This place is hers by her father’s will,’ said Jasper; ‘and, should the surgeon draw back, she will need you and me to look after her interests.’
‘Yes,’ said Barbara, ‘she will need us both.’
Then she withdrew her hands and returned upstairs.
A few days later Mr. Coyshe took occasion to clear the ground. He explained to Barbara that his engagement must be considered at an end. He was very sorry, but he must look out for his own interests, as he had neither parent alive to look out for them for him. It would be quite impossible for him to get on with a wife who was a cripple.