"Yes. Mr. Dean has allowed his daughter a thousand a year, paid
quarterly," said Lady Jabe amiably, "and that, with what Chris
earns at the office, will keep us nicely."
"Us?" echoed Mrs. Ainsleigh smiling.
"Certainly," was Lady Jabe's calm reply, "I have been a mother
to Chris, and I intend to be a mother to Lotty. I shall look
after the house, and control the purse, otherwise, the young
pair may get into the bankruptcy court."
Olivia privately thought that under Lady Jabe's care the young
couple, would have a bad time, even though they might be free
from bankruptcy. "What does Mr. Walker say?"
"Oh Chris is delighted. He had better be. I'd like to see him
cross me, dear Olivia. I've broken his spirit thoroughly. Lotty
certainly is a trifle difficult, but I'll break her also by
degrees."
"I think you should leave Mr. and Mrs. Walker to manage their
own affairs," said Olivia indignantly.
"Oh dear me no," replied Lady Jabe calmly, "that would never do.
A couple of babies, my dear Olivia, who need a firm hand. I'll
look after them and receive a small sum for doing so. My late
husband did not leave me well off," she went on confidentially,
"so it is necessary that I should do the best for myself. But
now, that's all settled and I'm glad you are pleased."
"Not with your proposed arrangement, Lady Jabe."
"Oh, yes you are, dear Olivia. Nothing could be better, whatever
you may say. And now to talk of other and less pleasing matters.
Miss Pewsey who robbed you of your inheritance, is about to
leave Marport. Yes--you may look surprised: but she is selling
Ivy Lodge and intends to go to America."
"In search of the doctor?" asked Mrs. Ainsleigh doubtfully.
"Quite so, I understand that Dr. Forge has gone there. But just
think what a brazen women Miss Pewsey must be, to follow a man
who left her--as you might say at the altar. Miss Pewsey is in
London now making arrangements to sail for New York--so she told
me yesterday. I wish her all joy," added Lady Jabe shaking her
head, "but I fear the man will spend her money and leave her."
When Lady Jabe went, Olivia thought over the projected departure
of Miss Pewsey on the trail of Dr. Forge, She was glad at heart,
that her enemy was leaving Marport, but could not help thinking
that the bitter little woman, was going out of her way to make
trouble, for herself. And as Forge was wanted, for participation
in Markham Ainsleigh's murder, Olivia though, she would inform
her husband of his whereabouts, so that he might be brought back
if necessary. But Rupert listened thoughtfully, and then replied
after consideration.
"I won't move in the matter," he said calmly, "Forge behaved
like a scoundrel, but as he has gone, I leave him in God's
hands. He will get his deserts yet, Olivia."
"Will you send him the ten thousand pounds, Rupert?"