Page:The Confessions of a Well-Meaning Woman.djvu/260

Confessions of a Well-Meaning Woman “And I’m sure you would not like her to try,” he retorted with quite an undisguised threat in his voice. “It would cause an ugly scandal, and you would all gladly pay ten times whatever damages a jury would give her for the sake of hushing up the scandal. Are you prepared to give her enough to go abroad and, if need be, live abroad and make a new life for herself?” “I’ve no doubt we shall do what we can,” I said, “if the story’s true—which I don’t for one moment admit at present.” I was thankful that he no longer suggested that Will should marry her. . . I’d have promised anything! Though why he should make himself a ruler and a judge. . . “You will have to provide for her,” he said, “at least as generously as if she were marrying your son. She will have no chance of participating in his prosperity and success as he rises from triumph to triumph in his career.”

I thought I detected a sneer in his voice. If I had been sure, I would have suggested that he ceased insulting my son until we were both free of the obligation to treat a guest with courtesy. The face was curiously expressionless; I couldn’t be certain.

“You must not judge every one by your 248