Toney laughed as she seized Trick in the act of making a dash at Mr. Staines' heels.
"Yes, I know there was never enough. I'm a bit like Pups in that; our box was always getting empty, but there will be a heap now. Oh dear!" and Toney for a moment heaved a deep sigh.
"I've kept the amount of Toney's fortune a secret, Mr. Staines, from--the neighbourhood," said Sir Evas, "it's better so; of course there are fortune hunters everywhere and--I think, my dear, you had better not mention the actual figures. Everyone knows you will have some money, but even your aunt does not know accurately." Sir Evas looked a little shame-faced.
"Oh dear, I hate secrets," sighed Toney, "I'll try and say nothing--but gracious stars! I needn't tell anyone how it goes, need I, for it would be more than I could do?"
"Of course you need not, but it is more business-like to keep accounts," said the lawyer sternly, "and to come to details, it would be better to give Lady Dove the same amount as she has had, as long as you live here."
"Of course. You'll do that, Mr. Staines, and if you double it, perhaps she'll not dislike me so much."
"My dear child, you are welcome to all I can give you without return."
"You dear old duck of an uncle, of course _you_ shan't have a penny of it, but Aunt Dove won't mind pickings--for the estate you know! and there's extra servants to pay and a lot of---- Is that all, Mr. Staines? By the way, uncle and I have chosen a secretary, so that's a good thing over! Ouf! I do wish it wasn't such a lot of pelf, sort of stifles one, doesn't it? The basket of Gwyddnen Garanhir was nothing to it, but I'll not be crushed by such a silly thing as money, you bet---- Oh, I mustn't say that, eh, Trick?"
"One thing more, Toney; I am going to give over to you the left wing of the house which we shut up some years ago. Your aunt agrees. (Lady Dove had said, "Pray do as you like, Evas, you always go against my wishes.") Come and see if it suits you. I've had it all done up."
"Well, that's real kind; but indeed, uncle, Crumpet's room and mine would have done. I'll keep those, no one wants them, and she can come often and stay with me."
Sir Evas led the way down a passage, and, opening a swing door, they passed through an old library full of books, with pretty windows looking over the park, and next to it a morning room painted white and furnished with old-fashioned oak things, which Lady Dove had long ago discarded as too much out of date. Beyond that again was a small garden room, opening out into the shrubbery.