Thomas Underwood was more ‘put out,’ than
the management of such an insignificant sum seemed
to warrant. He was no doubt disappointed of his
cousin’s confidence, as well as of some liberal
(if domineering) intentions; and he was only half
appeased when Edgar pointed to the date, and showed
that the arrangement had been made before the renewal
of intercourse. ’It was hardly fair to thrust
a charge upon a stranger when there was a relation
to act. Poor Edward, he ought to have trusted,’
he said. There was genuine kindness of heart in
the desire to confer benefits, though perhaps in rather
an overbearing spirit, as well as disappointment and
hurt feeling that his cousin had acquiesced in his
neglect without an appeal. However, after asking
whether Mr. Audley meant to act, and hearing of his
decided intention of doing so, he proceeded to state
his own plans for them. The present state of
things could not continue, and he proposed that Wilmet
and Geraldine should go as half boarders to some school,
to be prepared for governesses. Felix—could
he write shorthand? ’Oh yes; but—’
Then he knew of a capital opening for him, a few years,
and he would be on the way to prosperity: the
little ones might be boarded with their old nurse
till fit for some clergy orphan schools; if the means
would not provide for all, there need be no difficulty
made on that score.
Mr. Audley saw Felix’s start of dismay and glance
at him, but knowing as he did that the lad was always
more himself when not interfered with, and allowed
to act for himself, he only said, ’It is very
kind in you, sir, but I think Felix should be consulted.’
‘It is impossible!’ began Felix hastily.
’Impossible! It is quite impossible, I
would have you to understand, that a lot of children
like you should keep house together, and on such an
income as that. Quite preposterous.’
‘As for that,’ said Felix, still unsubmissively,
’it is only what we have been doing, except
for the name of the thing, for the last three years
on the same means.’
’You don’t mean to tell me that you have
kept things going on such means without a debt?’
‘Of course we have! We never let a bill
run,’ said Felix, slightly indignant.
’Now mind, I’m not insulting you, Felix,
but I know what the women are and what they tell us.
Are you sure of that? No debts—honour
bright?’
‘None at all!’ said Felix, with an endeavour
at calmness, but glowing hotly. ’I help
my sister make up her books every Saturday night.
We always pay ready money.’
‘Humph,’ said Mr. Underwood, still only
half convinced. ’Living must be cheap at
Bexley.’
‘You had better explain a little, Felix,’
said Mr. Audley.
Felix did bring himself to say, ’I am sub-editor
now, and get 100 pounds a year, besides being paid
for any article I write. Wilmet has 25 pounds
a year and her dinner, and Angela’s at school,
so there are only five of us constantly dining at
home, and with Mr. Audley’s two guineas a week
we can do very well.’
