"
"See here, mater," remarked Alaric firmly, "every ha'penny of ours
goes out of Gifford's bank and into something that has a bottom to
it. In future, I'LL manage the business of this family."
The Chichester family, reunited in prosperity, had apparently
forgotten the forlorn little girl sitting on the chair, who a moment
before had offered to take up the load of making things easier for
them by making them harder for herself. All their backs were turned
to her.
Jerry looked at her. She caught his eye and smiled, but it had a sad
wistfulness behind it.
"Sure, they don't want me now. I'd better take me cab. Good day to
yez." And she started quickly for the door.
Jerry stopped her.
"There is just one more condition of Mr. Kingsnorth's will that you
must know. Should you go through your course of training
satisfactorily to the age of twenty-one, you will inherit the sum of
five thousand pounds a year."
"When I'm twenty-one, I get five thousand pounds year?" gasped Peg.
"If you carry out certain conditions."
"An' what are they?"
"Satisfy the executors that you are worthy of the legacy."
"Satisfy you?"
"And Mr. Hawkes."
Peg looked at the somewhat uncomfortable lawyer, who reddened and
endeavoured to appear at ease.
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