Elizabeth glanced
at Harry and looked gravely at the papers; but Richard said, "Be
satisfied, dear. He will have the income at the age he really needs
it--when he begins his university career--until then we can surely
care for him."
So Hallam was left, financially, in the Whaleys' care. They were to
collect all its revenues, and keep the house and grounds in repair,
and, after paying all expenses incidental to this duty, they were to
divide, in fair proportions, the balance every three years among
Antony's creditors. This arrangement gave perfect satisfaction, for,
as Marmaduke Halcroft said, "If t' Whaleys ar'n't to be trusted, t'
world might as well stand still, and let honest men get out o' it."
As to the house, it was to be left absolutely in Martha's care. Inside
its walls her authority was to be undisputed, and Elizabeth insisted
that her salary should be on the most liberal basis. In fact, Martha's
position made her a person of importance--a woman who could afford
to do handsomely toward her chapel, and who might still have put by
a large sum every year.
The wedding was a very pretty one, and Elizabeth, in her robe of white
satin and lace, with pearls around her throat and arms, was a most
lovely bride. Twelve young girls, daughters of her tenants, dressed
in white, and carrying handfuls of lilies-of-the-valley, went with
her to the altar; and Richard had for his attendant the handsome little
squire.
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