"
Alexina looked her straight in the eyes. "I have sometimes thought uncle
daddy didn't like Mortimer."
"On the contrary, he rather likes him. He respects a capacity for hard
work, and persistence, and a reputation for uncompromising honesty. But of
course Mortimer is young--in business, that is; and father thinks--but you
had better talk with him."
"No. Why should I? But I don't mind you. At least I could not discuss
Mortimer with any one else. I am furious with Tom Abbott. He wants me to
put my money in trust, with himself and uncle daddy as trustees--ignoring
Mortimer, whom he pretends to like. He says Maria's fortune has been kept
intact, that he has never touched a cent of it, but that men in business
are likely to get into tight places and use their wife's money. Nothing
would induce Mortimer to touch my money, but he would feel pretty badly cut
up if I let any one else look after my affairs. Of course I wouldn't even
discuss the matter with Tom. And if Morty does need money at any time I'll
lend it to him. Why not? What else would any one expect me to do?"
"Of course Tom Abbott went to work the wrong way, the blundering idiot.
No one doubts Mortimer's good faith, but the times are awful, money has
paresis; and when you are obliged to take any of your own out of the
stocking in order to keep business going, it is easily lost. Dad hopes you
will hang on like grim death to your inheritance.
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