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She knew better she was trying for a bigger prize. "Either I inherit Mrs. Aylmer's wealth or I marry Maurice Trevor and inherit it as his wife," she thought. "I think I see my way. He is depending on me in spite of himself. He will never marry Kitty Sharston. He neither wants her nor she him. He is to be my husband, or, if not, he goes under completely and I secure Mrs. Aylmer's wealth.
"When I left yesterday morning they were well," he replied. "Did you know that your friend Miss Sharston was on a visit there?" "Yes, I heard of it; Kitty wrote to me. Do you like Kitty, Mr. Trevor?" "Of course I like her," he replied, and, remembering what was expected of him by Mrs. Aylmer with regard to Kitty, the bronze on his cheeks deepened.
She had seen Kitty and Colonel Sharston off by the night train to Dover, and left the great railway-station slowly and sadly. "Now I have to fight the battle. Shall I fail or shall I succeed?" she said to herself. She had taken a bed-room in a large house which was let out in small rooms.
She dropped a curtsey at the door as she was required to do, and then, going forward, took her place beside Kitty Sharston and Mary Bateman. These three girls were, according to the rules of the competition, to entertain their companions. Neither Kitty nor Mary were in the least self-conscious, and to-night Florence also, in the pressure of a great misery, contrived to forget herself. Mrs.
"What is the matter, Flo?" said Kitty. The two girls were in their tiny bed-room. They were to leave Dawlish the next morning, as Kitty had persuaded Florence to go with her to Southampton in order that they might both be present when Colonel Sharston once more set foot on his native land.
"Well, Mummy, and what was that thought you said you had in the back of your head?" continued Florence. "Oh, that," said Mrs. Aylmer here she looked at both girls. "I wonder, Kitty Sharston," she said, "if you can keep a secret?" "Try me, Mrs. Aylmer," replied Kitty.
"But," said Kitty, changing colour as she spoke, "do you really mean " "I mean that mum's the word at present," was Mrs. Aylmer's mysterious remark. "Help me, Kitty Sharston, like a good girl, and for goodness sake don't make yourself look too pretty to-night. I don't want him to turn his attention to you, I may as well say so frankly."
I wonder what sort of girl Miss Sharston is. She has been very kind to Florence; but it was rash of Florence to invite her. Still, I suppose we shall be able to manage all right." Just then the signal announcing the approaching train was lowered, and a moment or two later the said train drew up at the platform and one or two passengers alighted.
"I know," said Florence; "she wants you to marry Kitty. But why not? She is so sweet; she is the dearest girl in all the world." "Hush!" said Trevor. "I do not love her, nor does she love me. I can scarcely bear to tell you all this. It is sacrilegious to think of marriage under such circumstances, and above all things to mention it in connection with a girl like Miss Sharston."
And so, my good friend" she laid her white hand for an instant on Sir John's arm "you are going to leave your property to your favourite Kitty?" Sir John frowned; then he said shortly: "I see no reason for denying the fact. Kitty Sharston, when it pleases God to remove me, will inherit my wealth." "She is a sweet, very sweet girl," replied Mrs. Aylmer.
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