Mr. Ness bent over her and kissed her forehead, and withdrew without
another word. He went to Miss Monro.
"Well! and how did you find her?" was her first inquiry, after the usual
greetings had passed between them. "It is really quite sad to see how
she gives way; I speak to her, and speak to her, and tell her how she is
neglecting all her duties, and it does no good."
"She has had to bear a still further sorrow to-day," said Mr. Ness. "On
the part of Mr. Johnson and myself I have a very painful duty to perform
to you as well as to her. Mr. Wilkins has died insolvent. I grieve to
say there is no hope of your ever receiving any of your annuity!"
Miss Monro looked very blank. Many happy little visions faded away in
those few moments; then she roused up and said, "I am but forty; I have a
good fifteen years of work in me left yet, thank God. Insolvent! Do you
mean he has left no money?"
"Not a farthing. The creditors may be thankful if they are fully paid."
"And Ellinor?"
"Ellinor will have the rent of this house, which is hers by right of her
mother's settlement, to live on."
"How much will that be?"
"One hundred and twenty pounds."
Miss Monro's lips went into a form prepared for whistling. Mr. Ness
continued:
"She is at present unwilling enough to leave this house, poor girl. It
is but natural; but she has no power in the matter, even were there any
other course open to her.
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