"How have you contrived to make him hear reason?" asked Katherine, eagerly.
"I took the law into my own hands, for one thing, and I suggested a powerful motive for living on. I reminded him that he and another old gentleman are the only survivors in a 'Tontine,' and that he must try to outlive him. So the cost of doctor, medicine, etc., etc., ought to be considered as an investment. Do not fail to get him all possible nourishment. If he rebels, send for me."
"I will indeed. I am almost afraid to stay here alone. Might I not have my mother with me?"
"Do not think of it"--earnestly. "I was going to say that I believe you are decidedly gaining on your uncle; but the intrusion of Mrs. Frederic Liddell yesterday was very unfortunate. My rather peculiar client is impressed with the idea that you invited her."
"I did not suppose you did, but her appearance seems to have given Mr. Liddell a shock." Mr. Newton paused, and then asked in a slow tone, as if thinking hard, "What was your sister-in-law's maiden name?"
"Sandford? That is rather a curious coincidence. The late Mrs. John Liddell was a Miss Sandford."
"Possibly. Some likeness seems to have struck your uncle."
There was a short silence, and Mr. Newton resumed. "I trust you do not find your stay here too trying? I consider it very important that you should persevere, though it is only right to tell you that Mr. Liddell has made a will--not a just one, in my opinion--and it is extremely unlikely he will ever change it."
"That does not really affect me. Of course I should be very glad if he chose to leave anything to my mother or myself, but I shall do my best for him under any circumstances. Besides, I have a sort of desire to make him speak to me and like me--perhaps it is vanity--quite apart from a sense of duty. He is so like a frozen man!"
"Try, try by all means, my dear young lady."
"What I do not like is the hour or half hour after market. The wolfish greed by which he clutches the change I bring back, the glare in his eyes, the fierce eagerness with which he asks the price of everything--he is not human at such times, and I almost fear him."
"It is a dreadful picture, but perhaps the details may soften in time."
"How shall I get money for all he wants?" asked Katherine, anxiously.