moment, Ruth.”
“Yes, dear, what is it?”
“Did you notice what father said about the mortgage on Rawdon Manor”’
“Yes.”
“He seemed to know all about it.”
“I think he does know all about it.”
“Do you think he holds it?”
“He may do so—it is not unlikely.”
“Oh! Then Mr. Fred Mostyn, if he is to inherit Rawdon, would like the mortgage removed?”
“Of course he would.”
“And the way to remove it would be to marry the daughter of the holder of the mortgage?”
“It would be one way.”
“So he is coming to look me over. I am a matrimonial possibility. How do you like that idea, Aunt Ruth?”
“I do not entertain it for a moment. Mr. Mostyn may not even know of the mortgage. When men mortgage their estates they do not make confidences about the matter, or talk it over with their friends. They always conceal and hide the transaction. If your father holds the mortgage, I feel sure that no one but himself and Squire Rawdon know anything about it. Don’t look at the wrong side of events, Ethel; be content with the right side of life’s tapestry. Why are you not asleep? What are you worrying about?”
“Nothing, only I have not heard all I wanted to hear.”
“And perhaps that is good for you.”
“I shall go and see grandmother first thing in the morning.”
“I would not if I were you. You
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