"He has been 'up to' nothing, as you call it," I said. "But I should face my operation with an easier mind if I knew that Will's future was assured. When the war is over and if he is spared, it is essential that he should have independent means of some kind. It is pitiable that a man in his position... Do you not feel it—your own nephew? With the present prices, a thousand a year is little enough; but Arthur can do nothing to increase his directorships; and if my poor guidance and support are withdrawn—'
"What is supposed to be the matter with you?" Spenworth interrupted.
"I can hardly discuss that with you," I said.
"Well, Brackenbury told me—and Arthur told Brackenbury—," he began.
"Arthur and Brackenbury know nothing about it," I said. "For some time I have not been well, and it seemed worth the unavoidable risk of an operation if I might hope for greater strength and comfort. But I could not go under the anæsthetic with an easy mind if I felt that I had in any way omitted to put my house in order. Between us," I said, "bygones will be bygones. Will you not give me the satisfaction of knowing that, if we do not meet again, I am safe in leaving Arthur and my boy to your care? You are the head of the family. Can my boy's future not be permanently assured—here and now?"
I was not bargaining or haggling; it was a direct appeal to his generosity... Spenworth hummed and hawed for a while; then he said:
"I don't feel very much disposed to do anything more for that young man."
"More?," I echoed.
"Well, I paid up once," he said. "Arthur never told you, I suppose? Well, it was hardly a woman's province. I was acting then as head of the family ... about the time when you thought fit to criticize me very frankly..."
I had no more idea what he was talking about than the man in the moon!