Bayne sat at the table, scanning the money-lender's memoranda, his
experience as a broker having developed a keen scent for any untoward or
mischievous detail.
"But in seeking the wisest methods of economy, the essential opportunity
may escape her. While she is financiering, the child may die in the hands
of his abductors, or he may succumb to hardship otherwise--be disfigured
by disease or disabled by exposure, or slaughtered, so to speak, mentally
or morally, or spirited away and be heard of never again. No, no," Bayne
declared definitely; "I could not advise her to consider money in this
connection."
Mr. Marable could ill brook contradiction or dissent. He quivered with
more than the infirmities of age as he stood by the table, supporting
himself on his cane.
"You don't reflect, Mr. Bayne, that though she gets the child's estate if
he dies or continues lost--if he lives and this expenditure goes on, she
will be penniless--you don't realize that. She will be a poor woman--she
will have nothing left of her provision as a widow.
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