My servant, who had known her long ago in Fordham,
told me who she was. I cannot tell you how I regret that she
should have died in consequence of her love of me."
Mr. Benson looked up at him again, a stern light filling his eyes
as he did so. He waited impatiently to hear more, either to
quench or confirm his suspicions. If she had not been lying
there, very still and calm, he would have forced the words out of
Mr. Donne, by some abrupt question. As it was, he listened
silently, his heart quick beating.
"I know that money is but a poor compensation--is no remedy for
this event, or for my youthful folly."
Mr. Benson set his teeth hard together, to keep in words little
short of a curse.
"Indeed, I offered her money to almost any amount before:--do me
justice, sir," catching the gleam of indignation on Mr. Benson's
face; "I offered to marry her, and provide for the boy as if he
had been legitimate. It's of no use recurring to that time," said
he, his voice faltering; "what is done cannot be undone. But I
came now to say, that I should be glad to leave the boy still
under your charge, and that every expense you think it right to
incur in his education I will gladly defray;--and place a sum of
money in trust for him--say, two thousand pounds--or more: fix
what you will. Of course, if you decline retaining him, I must
find some one else; but the provision for him shall be the same,
for my poor Ruth's sake.
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