"These lawyers are crafty. Before you knew what he was after, he would extract the secret from you, and there would be trouble for both of us."
"Do you think so, ma'am? I didn't see nothing of it?"
"I think he suspects something. That matters nothing if it does not go beyond suspicion. Unless he can impeach your testimony and draw you into contradictions, we are safe, and you are sure of an income for life."
"You needn't be afraid for me, ma'am. We are in the same boat."
She frowned a little at the familiar tone in which he spoke. It was as if he put himself on an equality with her. But it was true, nevertheless, and it was unpleasant for her to think of.
Was there nothing else that was unpleasant? Did she not think of the poor boy who, as she thought, was killed, and at her instigation? Yes, she thought often of him, but as much as she could she kept the subject away from her thoughts.
"He's better off," she said to herself. "He didn't know anything of the property, and he wasn't fit to possess it. All the troubles of life are over for him."
"What are your plans, Mr. Rugg?" she asked.
"I have a mind to go down to Middleton Hall with you, ma'am. I used to live there years ago, and I might find some of my old cronies."
"For that very reason you must not go," she said, hastily. "They would be asking you all sorts of questions, and you'd be letting out something."
"If you made no answer it would be as bad. They would suspect you."
"It's rather hard, Mrs. Middleton, I can't see my old friends."
"You can make new ones. A man with money can always find friends."
"That's true, ma'am," said Rudolph, brightening up. "Then you'd recommend me to stay in London?"
"In London, or anywhere else that you like better. Only don't come within twenty miles of Middleton Hall."
"Well, ma'am, you're wiser than I am, and you know better what it's best to do."
"Of course I do. You are safe in being guided by me."
"But about the money, ma'am. How am I to get that if I don't see you?"
"Once a quarter I will pay in forty pounds to your account at any bank you choose. You can let me know."
"All right, ma'am. It's strange to me to think of having a bank account."
"It need not be strange henceforth. And now, Mr. Rugg, we must part. I must hasten down to Middleton Hall to look after the estate. I have been absent from it now for nearly three months."