“Humph!” said Sam. “But when I get the will set aside----”
“As for the accumulations, they amount at the present moment to a very large sum indeed, an immense sum--more than a million of money. The late Langley Holme left one daughter, whose only descendant is the young lady here present, Miss Constance Ambry.”
“We will talk about this business at another time,” she said.
Leonard followed her out of the damp and grave-like house into the ruined garden. And they sat down together in silence.
“Fifteen thousand pounds!” said Fred. “It is no more at present rates of interest than £400 a year. But it’s a pleasant little nest-egg to take out to Australia--with the Dunnings to place if----”
“Fifteen thousand pounds,” said Christopher to his son. “It’s a nice little addition. But, my boy, the Bureau is worth ten times as much.”
They walked away. They rambled about the house of Ruin and Decay. Presently they walked to the station: the dream of huge wealth was shattered. But still, there was a _solatium_.
“Sir,” she said, “when will that money be my very own?”
“Immediately. It has only to be transferred. If you wish for an advance----”
“I wish for protection against my grandson.”
“Quite right.” It was Mary Anne, who had not hitherto said a word.
“Madame,” said the lawyer, “we have acted, father and son, for four generations for your family. Let me assure you that if you allow us your confidence, you shall be amply protected.”
Sam looked from one to the other. Then he put on his hat and walked away gloomily.
“My dear,” said Mrs. Galley, laying her hand on her grand-daughter’s shoulder, “I am again a gentlewoman. We will live, you and I, in a country house, with a garden and flowers and servants and a pony carriage. No, my dear, I will never go back to the Commercial Road. He is welcome to everything there. Let us stay here in the village and among the people where I was born--you and I together. Oh, my dear--my dear! It is happiness too great. The hand of the Lord is lifted: His wrath is stayed.”
Leonard and Constance returned to town together.
In the carriage the girl sat beside Leonard in silence, her hands folded, her eyes dropped.
“You are a great heiress, Constance,” he said. “I learn that the accumulations now amount to an immense sum. What will you do with all this money?”