It had always been a sore point that her father conceded only an allowance of a few thousands a year, whereas her mother had brought him an income of many thousands. Mrs. Herresford had always given her daughter to understand that wealth would revert to her, but, as the girl was too young to understand money matters at the time of her mother's death, she had been entirely at the mercy of her father. In her present despair, she was ready to seize any floating straw. The idea came to her that she might have some unexpected reversionary interest in her mother's money, on which she could raise something. Trimmer put an end to the interview by answering his master's call. The miser was gesticulating and mumbling, and frantically motioning his daughter to leave the room. "She wants to rob me!--she wants to rob me!" This was all that she understood of his raving. "It is useless to talk to him now, Mrs. Swinton," said Trimmer, with a suggestive glance toward the door. She departed without another word, full of a new idea. Her position was such that only a lawyer could help her; and she was resolved to have legal advice. It was a forlorn hope, but one not to be despised; and there was not a moment to lose. As if by an inspiration, she remembered the name of a lawyer who used to be her mother's adviser--a Mr. Jevons, who used to come to Asherton Hall before her mother died, and afterward quarreled with Herresford. This was the man to advise her. He would be sure to know the truth about the private fortune of Mrs. Herresford, which the husband had absorbed after his wife's death. CHAPTER XXIII DORA SEES HERRESFORD Herresford recovered his composure very quickly after the departure of his daughter. A few harsh words from Trimmer silenced him, and he remained sitting up, staring out of the window. The next time Trimmer came into the room, he called him to his side, and gazed into his face with a look that the valet understood. Trimmer knew every mood, and there were some when the master ruled the servant and commands were not to be questioned. "Trimmer, I have a commission for you. Go to the residence of Colonel Dundas. See his daughter, Dora. She has been here--you remember her?" "I'm afraid not, sir." "Pretty girl, brown hair, determined mouth, steady eyes, quietly dressed--no thousand-dollar sables and coats of ermine. Came to tea--and didn't cackle!" "I can't recall her, sir." "You must. We don't have many women here. My memory is better than yours. I want to see her again; and, when she comes, I talk to her alone, you hear?" "Yes, sir." "Trimmer, my grandson is alive." "Alive, sir?" "Yes, and back from the war. He's got to marry that girl; but she's engaged to someone else--you understand?" "I think so, sir." "So, be cautious. Bring her here secretly, or--I'll sack you." "Yes, sir." "Go at once." "Yes, sir. Your medicine first."