Allott made a sign of comprehension.  “He died six weeks since and left Helen most of his money; but he didn’t cut you out.”

Thirlwell moved abruptly.

“I expected nothing!”

“That was obvious,” Allott remarked with some dryness.  “Sir James was very sore when you refused to come back, but he came round after a time.  When he was ill he told Helen it was refreshing to find a man who could not be bought, and you were probably better fitted for roughing it in Canada than the career he had planned for you.  He added that he doubted if there were many like you in that country.  Still I think if you had married Evelyn, you’d have got a larger share.”

“Ah,” said Thirlwell, “I had forgotten Evelyn!  Is she with Helen?”

“Your admission’s significant.  Evelyn married Campbell—­you remember him?  However, you don’t seem very curious about your legacy.”

“I was thinking about my quarrel with Sir James,” Thirlwell replied.  “But I am curious.”

Allott told him about the will and Thirlwell mused for some minutes.  His share was not very large, but he had expected nothing, and since he had known Agatha he had felt the strain of poverty.  He was not rich now, but his handicap was lighter and he began to see a ray of hope.  Then he opened a letter from the English lawyers and asked Allott some questions.

After a time Allott said, “Helen rather felt she was robbing you when she heard the will and she was excited when you told us about the mine.  I hope the ore is as good as you thought.”

“The ore is good, but difficult to work.  Then I’m only manager; I hold no shares.”

“If you wished, you could buy enough to give you some control.”

“Yes; I shall do so, now I’m able.”

“Well,” said Allott, “Helen sent me to look you up and gave me a message.  This money was something of a surprise, and after building a vinery and buying a new car, she doesn’t know what to do with it.  I pointed out that it could be invested on good security at three or four per cent., but she declares this is not enough.  In short, she’s resolved that you are to use the money to develop your mine, but she ordered me to mention that she expects a handsome profit.”

Thirlwell smiled, although he was moved.  He knew Mrs. Allott had tried to help him before, and it was plain that she had not resented his refusing her aid.

“I think I see,” he answered.  “Helen’s very kind.  We ought to make a profit, but there’s a risk.”

“Helen likes a risk.  She’s something of a gambler; for that matter, so am I. Besides, although you disappointed her once, she has a rather remarkable confidence in you.  Now have you, so to speak, a sporting chance?”

“The situation’s much like this,” said Thirlwell thoughtfully; “the ore’s rich, but I expect we’ll spend all our money before we get results that would encourage the subscribers and warrant our asking for more capital.”