Isabel met that objection with a woman's logic.
"Does a promise matter?" she asked, "when one gives it to a dirty,
disreputable, presuming old wretch like Mr. Sharon? It's a wonder to me
that you trust such a creature. _I_ wouldn't!"
"I doubted him just as you do," Moody answered, "when I first saw him in
company with Mr. Troy. But there was something in the advice he gave
us at that first consultation which altered my opinion of him for the
better. I dislike his appearance and his manners as much as you do--I
may even say I felt ashamed of bringing such a person to see you. And
yet I can't think that I have acted unwisely in employing Mr. Sharon."
Isabel listened absently. She had something more to say, and she was
considering how she should say it. "May I ask you a bold question?" she
began.
"Any question you like."
"Have you--" she hesitated and looked embarrassed. "Have you paid Mr.
Sharon much money?" she resumed, suddenly rallying her courage. Instead
of answering, Moody suggested that it was time to think of returning
to Miss Pink's villa. "Your aunt may be getting anxious about you." he
said.
Isabel led the way out of the farmhouse in silence. She reverted to Mr.
Sharon and the money, however, as they returned by the path across the
fields.
"I am sure you will not be offended with me," she said gently, "if I own
that I am uneasy about the expense. I am allowing you to use your purse
as if it was mine--and I have hardly any savings of my own.
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