"On the whole, Katy," he said, after a pause, "I will accept your apology, and you may stay."
"My apology!" said Katy, in astonishment.
"Yes, your explanation. I see your motives were good, and I will think no more about it. You had better not mention this matter to Mrs. Craven or Frank, as it might disturb them."
"And won't you try to kill Pomp agin?" asked Katy.
"No; I dislike dogs, especially as they are apt to run mad, but as Frank is attached to Pompey, I won't interfere. You had better take this tumbler and wash it, as it is uninjured."
"All right, sir," said Katy, who felt that she had gained a victory, although Mr. Craven assumed that it was his.
"I am very glad you are so devoted to your mistress," said Mr. Craven, who had assumed his old suavity. "I shall propose to her to increase your wages."
"He's a mighty quare man!" thought the bewildered Katy, as she hurried back to her work, followed by Pompey.
Mr. Craven had as yet gained nothing from his marriage. He was itching to get possession of his wife's property. Then his next step would be Frank's more considerable property. He was beginning to be low in pocket, and in the course of a month or so Mr. Green's note for six hundred dollars would fall due. He knew enough of that estimable gentleman to decide that it must be met, and, of course, out of his wife's money.
"My dear," he said one day, after breakfast, Frank being on his way to school, "I believe I told you before our marriage that I had twenty thousand dollars invested in Lake Superior mines."
"It is a very profitable investment," continued her husband. "What per cent. do you think it pays me?"
"More than that. During the last year it has paid me twenty per cent."
"That is a great deal," said his wife, in surprise.
"To be sure it is, but not at all uncommon. You, I suppose, have not got more than seven or eight per cent. for your money?"
Mr. Craven laughed softly, as if to say, "What a simpleton you must be!"
"I didn't know about these investments," said his wife. "I don't know much about business."
"No, no. I suppose not. Few women do. Well, my dear, the best thing you can do is to empower me to invest your money for you in future."
"If you think it best," said Mrs. Craven.