''But the other share,'' Richard goes on, ''—which is to say, Sue''s real share—Mrs Sucksby stands also to get. The statement names her Sue''s guardian; and guardians, I am afraid, are often less than scrupulous in the handling of their wards'' fortunes . . . That all means nothing, of course, if Sue herself has vanished. But then, it''s Maud Lilly—the true Maud Lilly''—he blinks—''by which I mean of course, the false Maud Lilly—who has vanished. Isn''t that what you wanted? To vanish? You said, a minute ago, that you have excuse for anything now. What will it hurt you, then, to be passed off as Sue, and so make Mrs Sucksby rich?''
''Make us both rich, darling,'' Mrs Sucksby says quickly. ''I ain''t so heartless, dear, as to rob you quite of everything! You''re a lady, ain''t you, and handsome? Why, I shall need a handsome lady, to show me what''s what when I comes into my fortune. I got plans for us both, sweetheart, that grand!''—She taps her nose.
I push myself up, away from her; but am too giddy, still, to stand. ''You are mad,'' I say to them both. ''You are mad! I— Pass me off as Sue?''■思■兔■網■文■檔■共■享■與■在■線■閱■讀■
''Why not?'' says Richard. ''We need only convince a lawyer. I think we shall.''
''Convince him, how?''
''How? Why, here are Mrs Sucksby and Mr Ibbs—that have been
like parents to you