’What is the favour? I am too cautious—have been too long in a lawyer’s office to undertake anything the particulars and nature of which I do not know.’
’It is this, Mr. Pennycomequick. I want you not to say another word about your kind and liberal offer to me. I will not accept it, not on any account, because I have no right to it. So that is granted.’
’Miss Cusworth, I will not hear of this.’ Philip’s face darkened, though not a muscle moved. ’Why do you ask this of me? What is the meaning of your refusal?’
’I will not take that to which I have no right,’ she replied firmly.
’You have a right,’ answered Philip, somewhat sharply. ’You know as well as I do that my uncle intended to provide for you, at least as he did for Mrs. Baynes. It was not his wish that you should be left without proper provision.’
’I know nothing of the sort. What he put into my hands was merely an evidence that he had at one time purposed to do an unfair thing, and that he repented of it in time.’
’Miss Cusworth, that cancelled will still remains to me a mystery, and I do not see how I shall ever come to an understanding of how it was that the signature was gone. From your account my uncle——’
’Never mind going over that question again. As you say, an understanding of the mystery will never be reached. Allow it to remain unattempted. I am content.’
’But, Miss Cusworth, we do not offer you a handsome, but a moderate provision.’
’You cannot force me to take what I refuse to receive. Who was that king to whom molten gold was offered? He shut his teeth against the draught. So do I. I clench mine and you cannot force them open.’
’What is the meaning of this? Why do you refuse to have my uncle’s wishes carried out? You put us in an invidious position.’
Salome had shut her mouth. She shook her head. The pretty dimples were in her cheeks. Her colour had deepened.
’Someone has been talking to you,’ said Philip. ’I know there has. Who was it?’
Salome again shook her head, with a provoking smile dappling and dimpling her face; but seeing that Philip was seriously annoyed, it faded, and she broke silence.
’There is a real favour you can do us, Mr. Pennycomequick, if you will.’
’What is that?’ asked Philip. His ease and cheerfulness were gone. He was angry, for he was convinced that Mrs. Sidebottom had said something to the girl which had induced her to refuse the offer.