"I have already said what I would do. You can't live without money."
"Dr. Jerce will look after me," blurted out Ferdy, significantly. Clarice shrugged her shoulders. "Perhaps. He has the name of being a philanthropist. But I should like to know if there is any chance of Jerce threatening me through you?"
"I am not so certain," said Clarice, dryly, and striving to read the weak, handsome face before her. "Jerce is deeply in love with me, and would give much to stop my marriage. He hinted as much. Now, I know that he cannot hurt Anthony, or me, as both our lives are above reproach. The sole trouble in my life is the death of Uncle Henry, and the inquest has explained that. The motive for the crime undoubtedly is robbery."
"After what Mr. Barras explained, I do, although," added Clarice, in a thoughtful manner, "I never would have taken Uncle Henry to be a miser. Chalks might know something about that money, if Uncle Henry really had it concealed in his room. I'll speak to him. However, you can see that there is no reason why I should be afraid of Dr. Jerce. Now, is there any reason why you should fear him?"
"No," said Ferdy, earnestly, and, turning a frank face to his sister, "I have been reckless and fast. Jerce has helped me with money, and I have run up bills for motor-cars, and suppers, and tailors, and flowers, and such-like things. But if you will pay these bills, Jerce can say nothing against me."
Clarice sat down gasping. "Two thousand pounds and in one year," she said, utterly bewildered, "Ferdy, you--you fool."
"There," said the young man, bitterly. "I make a clean breast of it because you want me to, and then you bullyrag me. But here," he pulled a sheaf of papers out of his breast pocket, "I had intended to give these to Barras when the will was read, thinking that I would get my own money, and that Barras would be able to arrange for the payment. But when I spoke to him just now, he referred me to you as my guardian. Here is a list of my debts with the bills attached. If you will pay these off, Clarry, I swear to turn over a new leaf. You needn't look so angrily at me. I am no worse than other chaps."
"My poor boy," said Clarice, mournfully; "I am not angry, but only sorry for your weakness. But I am forced to be strong, since I have to deal with a reed. I shall take these"--she reached for the bills--"and they will be paid, as soon as I can arrange--on conditions."