Nor have I
any right over it. Still"--he paused for a second, and that
incisive mouth strove to grow gentle, while Herminia hot with shame,
confronted him helplessly--"I sympathize with your position, and do
not forget it was Alan who brought you here. Therefore, as an act
of courtesy to a lady in whom he was personally interested . . . if
a slight gift of fifty pounds would be of immediate service to you
in your present situation, why, I think, with the approbation of his
brothers and sisters, who of course inherit--"
Herminia turned upon him like a wounded creature. She thanked the
blind caprice which governs the universe that it gave her strength
at that moment to bear up under his insult. With one angry hand
she waved dead Alan's father inexorably to the door. "Go," she
said simply. "How dare you? how dare you? Leave my rooms this
instant."
Dr. Merrick still irresolute, and anxious in his way to do what he
thought was just, drew a roll of Italian bank notes from his
waistcoat pocket, and laid them on the table. "You may find these
useful," he said, as he retreated awkwardly.
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