When
fortune gives good gifts, she generally does so with a lavish hand.
Thus it came to pass that, about three weeks after the trial of Parsons
and Douse, Geoffrey's uncle the solicitor died, and to his surprise left
him twenty thousand pounds, "believing," he said in his will, which was
dated three days before the testator's death, "that this sum will assist
him to rise to the head of his profession."
Now that it had dawned upon her that her husband really was a success,
Honoria's manner towards him modified very considerably. She even became
amiable, and once or twice almost affectionate. When Geoffrey told her
of the twenty thousand pounds she was radiant.
"Why, we shall be able to go back to Bolton Street now," she said,
"and as luck will have it, our old house is to let. I saw a bill in the
window yesterday."
"Yes," he said, "you can go back as soon as you like."
"And can we keep a carriage?"
"No, not yet; I am doing well, but not well enough for that. Next year,
if I live, you will be able to have a carriage. Don't begin to grumble,
Honoria. I have got L150 to spare, and if you care to come round to a
jeweller's you can spend it on what you like.
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