And she had a turn of luck.

I suppose she was worth at one time eight or ten thousand pounds.' 'But she did not keep it ?' 'I knew but little of her afterwards.

I kept out of her way; and though I had dealings with Crinkett, I dropped them as soon as I could.' Then he paused,--but Robert Bolton held his peace with anything but a satisfied countenance.

'Now I think you know all about it.' 'It is a most distressing story.' 'All attempts at robbery and imposition are of course distressing.' 'There is so much in it that is--disgraceful.' 'I deny it altogether,--if you mean disgraceful to me.' 'If it had all been known as it is known now,--as it is known even by your own telling, do you think that I should have consented to your marriage with my sister ?' 'Why not ?' Robert Bolton shrugged his shoulders.

'And I think, moreover, that had you refused your consent I should have married your sister just the same.' 'Then you know very little about the matter.' 'I don't think there can be any good in going into that.