'Yes. The whole circumstances are rather remarkable, and I could tell you something--a little story in which you and I figure, which is even more mystifying; but we are wandering from the subject we had on hand. You haven't yet told me what I wish to know.'
'I cannot mention it to-night, Mr Russell,' she said. 'More than ever I feel I ought not to have broached it. Later I trust we shall have an opportunity of discussing everything. You don't mind my deferring it?'
'Just as you wish; but before we dismiss business, may I ask you a question?'
'Well, I had a letter from Mr Monteith the other day in which he referred to your affairs. By the same token, he is coming down to see your aunt, so we'll all meet and go into everything thoroughly. Well, what he mentioned in his letter with reference to you set me a-thinking, and I have been wondering since if you are aware of the fact that you hold four thousand Banku oil shares. Have you received any dividends lately?'
'I know,' she answered thoughtfully, 'that father, some time ago--when I came of age it was--transferred some shares to me, and from time to time he gave me what must have been dividends. I didn't trouble him for particulars; he always hated business chats, but more so after his last visit to India. I am sure he got a touch of sun, although the doctor would never admit it, and I purposely refrained from referring to business affairs, as it only annoyed and irritated him. Since he died I have received no money at all. As a matter of fact'--and she blushed painfully--'that's what I wanted to see you about. Aunt is awfully decent, and grudges me nothing; but surely I ought to have received something. It isn't very nice to be depending on her for every shilling, and--you understand, Mr Russell?--I'm perhaps too independent, and'----
'Oh, Miss Stuart, I am so sorry! This is a most unfortunate oversight. I must rectify it at once, and see that money is sent to you to-morrow. You have quite a large sum to your credit with us.'
'I am glad to know that;' and she smiled. 'But please don't put yourself to any immediate trouble on my account. I--I am all right for money at present. Unknown to my aunt, I sent two of my pictures to Glasgow last week. Yesterday I received--what do you think?--four guineas each for them;' and again the blood mounted to her cheek.