Elinor went on, her voice cold and detached:
“My aunt, if she had had time to make a will, would have wished, I know, to leave several legacies. Since she died without making a will, the responsibility of carrying out her wishes rests on me. I have consulted with Mr. Seddon, and by his advice we have drawn up a schedule of sums for the servants according to their length of service, etc.” She paused. “You, of course, don’t come quite into that class.”
She half-hoped, perhaps, that those words might hold a sting, but the face she was looking at showed no change. Mary accepted the words at their face value and listened to what more was to come.
Elinor said:
“Though it was difficult for my aunt to speak coherently, she was able to make her meaning understood that last evening. She definitely wanted to make some provision for your future.”
Mary said quietly:
“That was very good of her.”
Elinor said brusquely:
“As soon as probate is granted, I am arranging that two thousand pounds should be made over to you—that sum to be yours to do with absolutely as you please.”
Mary’s colour rose.
“Two thousand pounds? Oh, Miss Elinor, that is good of you! I don’t know what to say.”
Elinor said sharply:
“It isn’t particularly good of me, and please don’t say anything.”
Mary flushed.
“You don’t know what a difference it will make to me,” she murmured.
Elinor said:
“I’m glad.”
She hesitated. She looked away from Mary to the other side of the room. She said with a slight effort:
“I wonder—have you any plans?”
Mary said quickly:
“Oh, yes. I shall train for something. Massage, perhaps. That’s what Nurse Hopkins advises.”
Elinor said:
“That sounds a very good idea. I will try and arrange with Mr. Seddon that some money shall be advanced to you as soon as possible—at once, if that is feasible.”
“You’re very, very good, Miss Elinor,” said Mary gratefully.
Elinor said curtly:
“It was Aunt Laura’s wish.” She hesitated, then said, “Well, that’s all, I think.”
This time the definite dismissal in the words pierced Mary’s sensitive skin. She got up, said quietly, “Thank you very much, Miss Elinor,” and left the room.
Elinor sat quite still, staring ahead of her. Her face was quite impassive. There was no clue in it as to what was going on in her mind. But she sat there, motionless, for a long time….
III
Elinor went at last in search of Roddy. She found him in the morning room. He was standing staring out of the window. He turned sharply as Elinor came in.