Uncle Dick was in his excitement oblivious of the fact, that whilst he had cast some doubt on the success of Philip’s project, he had approved the spirit of it. Madge did not observe the inconsistency; she was so much astonished by what appeared to be the harsh language of Mr Shield, notwithstanding the assurances he had given to her. But she was presently set at rest on this point by Aunt Hessy.
‘Thou art forgetting, Dick, that Shield says he’ll see what can be done to put Philip right again.’
Madge was relieved; for in spite of its improbability, the thought had flashed upon her, that Austin Shield might have been deceiving her as to his ultimate purpose regarding Philip.
‘That may be,’ continued Uncle Dick in a tone of general discontent; ‘like enough, he’ll spend more money on the lad, if so be as that Beecham hasn’t got something against it; and blame me if ever I trust a man more, if Beecham be a knave.—Now you can settle all that, Madge. Seems you know more about him than any of us. Tell us what you know.’
There was no way of evading this request, or rather command; and yet she could not comply with it immediately. She had been told that Philip would be safe if she kept her promise.
‘What, will you not speak?’ thundered Uncle Dick, after he had waited a few seconds. ‘You know that Beecham has to do with Shield, and will say nought!’
‘There is nothing wrong about him,’ she pleaded.
‘Does Philip know you are in league with this stranger, and maybe helping to ruin him?’
‘I have not told Philip, but’——
‘I don’t want your buts—honest folk don’t need them. That scamp Wrentham is right; and it’s a bad business for Philip, and for you, and for all of us. Think on it, and when you do, you’ll be sorry for yourself.’