Nothing so tragic had ever entered her life before,
and she seemed almost stunned.
Mrs. Gordon moved to her side and took her hand.
"It is very terrible for you--for us all, dear," she said. "You
must listen to what Mr. Pinnock says, and make up your mind. He
can advise you best what to do."
Again Pinnock went through the case. As a full understanding broke
in on her, she drew herself up; the look of distress and perplexity
left her face, and her eyes were full of scorn and anger.
"Hello, what's coming now?" thought Pinnock. "I hope she says
nothing rash."
She tried to speak once or twice, but the words seemed to choke
her.
"What do you advise me to do, Mr. Pinnock?" she said, turning to
him suddenly.
"I advise you to give me power to act for you in the matter as I
think best," said Pinnock, who saw that matters were likely to slip
beyond his control. "From what Mr. Blake tells me, I daresay this
woman can give you a lot of trouble and annoyance. Whatever you
pay her, you won't miss the money. You will save the family here
from being turned out; you will avoid scandal; and if there should
be any foundation for Mr. Blake's story, it may mean that if you
don't settle you lose everything."
From him Mary Grant turned to the old lady.
"Mrs. Gordon," she said, "do you advise me to pay this money?"
"My dear, I don't advise at all.
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