"No. I did not give the money to them, but I have a distinct recollection of its being provided." "So have I, papa. Mama was obliged to ask Mr St. Cyr for more money, and she said it was very painful, and she could not do it again." "All that relates to Mr St. Cyr's connection with our affairs is painful. You are old enough now, Frederica, to understand that it was never with my consent that he had to do with--with our affairs--with your grandfather's property. I can do nothing. If things go wrong, it is not my fault. I protested against such an arrangement at the time, and--and washed my hands of them. And it is a matter with which you can have nothing to do." "Except about Mrs Glencairn's money, papa. I _must_ have to do with that, you know. Tell me what I must do, papa." "You can do nothing. There must be some mistake. A year and a half! It would be a large sum." "Yes, indeed! But, papa, don't you think it possible that--that Mrs Ascot may have made some mistake?" "She may certainly have made a mistake. I will see that it is put right. But you can do nothing, and you must not try. You will only make matters worse." There was silence for some time, and then Frederica said hesitatingly,-- "I am afraid, papa--that Mrs Ascot is not a very good woman." Mr Vane looked at her without speaking. "I mean that she is too clever to make mistakes--that she must know if-- if there is anything wrong about the money." "She is clever, but she is not too clever to make mistakes. She has made one now--she will find." "I think so, papa. Mrs Glencairn could not have been mistaken. She must know, of course. And, papa--it is not pleasant to speak about--but I don't think Mrs Ascot is nice with mama and Lina. I mean she is not considerate." "That will do, Fred. We won't discuss Madame Ascot. It was not by my will that she was brought into the house. Your grandfather--but I can't speak to you about all that. Go home, or go back to your school. This matter shall be cleared up and put right." "To-day, papa? Papa, I shall be ashamed to look at Miss Robina till this money is paid. Can you not give it to me to take back to-day? Please do, dear papa." Mr Vane laughed a very unpleasant laugh. "Don't be foolish, Fred. I have not the money to give you to-day, or any day. I must speak to Mrs Ascot: there must be some mistake. She and your mother have always managed these things, with Mr St. Cyr's help. I can do nothing." "But, papa--" entreated Frederica. "Hush, say nothing more. As Mrs Glencairn said nothing to you, you are not supposed to know anything about the matter. Go back to school at once. Or are you going home for the day?" "I meant to do so, but I don't wish to trouble mama. I might speak to Mrs Ascot." "Much good that would do," said her father, with his unpleasant laugh. "No, I will speak to her. Go now, there are people coming in."