“Mr Ingleton’s will, Mr Pottinger, so far as I can understand it, seems fairly simple, and I am ready and anxious to perform my part of its provisions.”
“Yes. You see, after all, it is only a matter of two years’ trouble. As soon as Master Roger comes of age you will be released.”
“Unless,” says the Captain, laughing, “he marries, becomes mad, or goes to prison, isn’t that it? What a curious proviso!”
“It is. The old Squire had his peculiarities, like most of us. He set his heart on this boy turning out well.”
“Ah! I presume this tutor, Mr Armstrong, has very high qualifications, since so much depends on him.”
“Of that I can’t say, Captain Oliphant. To tell you the truth, I never quite understood that appointment. But doubtless the Squire knew best.”
“Doubtless. He must have had a very high opinion of him to associate him with Mrs Ingleton and me in the guardianship. I take it, by the way, that hardly extends beyond his present duties as tutor.”
“That’s just it,” said Mr Pottinger. “According to the will, he has the right to participate in every action taken by the other trustees, either as regards the boy, or the estate, or anything else.”
“How very singular! You don’t mean to say that he is to be consulted in matters of finance or the management of the property?”
“Technically, yes—if he claims it. I imagine, however, he is hardly aware of this, and I am not inclined to urge him to claim it. I should be sorry to give you an unfavourable impression, Captain Oliphant, but I do not like this Mr Armstrong.”