"So you're afraid the boy'll turn up, ma'am?" asked Rudolph.
"I want to guard against his ever turning up. I hoped you would be able to tell me he was dead."
"But he might have learned, or you might. My husband, with the idea of reparation, left the property to me, in trust, but if it should ever be fully ascertained that the boy had died, then it was to be mine absolutely. There must be clear proof."
"I begin to see what you're driving at, ma'am."
"Stout and hearty, ma'am. He's been under my care ever since he was a young 'un, ma'am, and I've treated him like he was my own."
"Yes, ma'am. I'm poor, but I've always shared my crust with him, givin' him the biggest half."
"Very kind, I'm sure," said the lady, sarcastically. "I suppose you're very fond of him."
"Of course I am," said Rudolph, "but," he added, after a slight pause, "there's one thing I like better."
"Good!" said the lady, her face lighting up with satisfaction. "I see we understand one another."
"That's so, ma'am. You needn't be afraid to say anything to me. Business is business."
"Draw your chair near mine, Mr. Rugg," said Mrs. Middleton, affably.
The tramp did so. He foresaw what was coming, but did not flinch.
"It appears to me, Mr. Rugg, that you have prospered," said the lady.
"That's where you're right, ma'am, and you couldn't be righter."
"So am I," said the tramp, adding, with a cunning look, "but times will be better now."
"Why will they be better?" asked Mrs. Middleton, suspiciously.
"Tony won't see me want when he comes into ten thousand a year."
"Who said he was coming into it?" demanded the lady, coldly.
"He hasn't got the estate, and I don't mean he shall have it."
Mrs. Middleton again put her hand on the man's tattered coat sleeve, and in a voice scarcely above a whisper, said:
"How can I prevent it?" asked the tramp, with an assumption of innocence.
"I take it, you are not a religious man?"
"Not much," answered the tramp, with a short laugh.
"Yes, I am, ma'am; but if I was paid for it I might not mind."
Mrs. Middleton said, with slow significance:
"This boy is in my way. Don't you think he might manage to get sick and die?"
"Perhaps he might," said Rudolph, who did not appear to be shocked at the suggestion.
"Couldn't you manage it?" she asked, her eyes fixed upon the tramp.