Mrs.
Purling as much as told me that if her son married this cousin he
would be disinherited. They do not agree very well together now."
"It's all hers--the old woman's--in her own right?"
"So far as I know."
Gilly Jillingham lay back in his chair and mused for a while.
"It's not a bad game if the cards play true."
His evil genius, had he been present, might have hinted that sometimes
the cards played for Mr. Jillingham a little too true.
"Not a bad game. Phillipa, how do you stand with this old beldame?"
"She pretends the most ardent affection for me."
"There are no other relatives, no one she would take up if this son
gave unpardonable offence?"
"Not that I know of. Besides, she calls me her dear daughter already."
"And would adopt you, doubtless, if the cub were got out of the way.
Yes, it can be done, I believe, and you can do it, Phillipa, if you
please. Only persuade the old lady to make you the heiress of the
Purlings, and there will be an end to your troubles--and mine."
Soon after this conversation Miss Fanshawe returned to Purlington. The
heiress smothered her with caresses.
"I shall not let you go away again. We have missed you more than I can
say."
"And you also, Mr. Harold? Are you glad to see me again?"
Harold bowed courteously.
"Of course; I have been counting the hours to Miss Fanshawe's return.
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