“What mean you by that dark insinuation?” she cried.
“My meaning is intelligible enough,” he rejoined. “But I will make it plainer, if you will.”
A singular change come over her countenance.
But she instantly recovered, and threw a scornful glance at Chetwynd.
“What have you done to him?” he demanded.
“Striven to make his latter days happy,” she replied, “and I believe I have succeeded. At any rate, he seemed happy.”
“That was before his illness,” observed Chetwynd.
“Since his illness I have nursed him with so much care that those best able to judge think I preserved his life. I saved him from all pain and annoyance, and his confidence in me was such that he has left all to my management.”
“I know it, madam; and you have been in haste to assume the power, but it may be wrested from your hands!”
“Make the attempt,” she rejoined, defiantly. “You will only injure yourself!”