And now Roger doesn't get anything.
Sophia," she turned imperiously, "you simply must do something about Roger."
"No," said Clemency.
She had moved forward a step.
Her face was defiant. "Nothing.
Nothing at all."
Roger came shambling over to Sophia like a large amiable bear. He took her hands affectionately.
"I don't want a penny, my dear girl.
As soon as this business is cleared up - or has died down, which is more what it looks like - then Clemency and I are off to the West Indies and the simple life.
If I'm ever in extremis I'll apply to the head of the family -" he grinned at her endearingly - "but until then I don't want a penny.
I'm a very simple person really, my dear - you ask Clemency if I'm not."
An unexpected voice broke in. It was Edith de Haviland's.
"That's all very well," she said. "But you've to pay some attention to the look of the thing.
If you go bankrupt, Roger, and then slink off to the ends of the earth without Sophia's holding out a helping hand, there will be a good deal of ill natured talk that will not be pleasant for Sophia."
"What does public opinion matter?" asked Clemency scornfully.
"We know it doesn't to you. Clemency," said Edith de Haviland sharply, "but Sophia lives in this world.
She's a girl with good brains and a good heart, and I've no doubt that Aristide was quite right in his selection of her to hold the family fortunes - though to pass over your two sons in their lifetime seems odd to our English ideas - but I think it would be very unfortunate if it got about that she behaved greedily over this - and had let Roger crash without trying to help him."
Roger went over to his aunt. He put his arms round her and hugged her.
"Aunt Edith," he said. "You are a darling - and a stubborn fighter, but you don't begin to understand. Clemency and I know what we want - and what we don't want!"
Clemency, a sudden spot of colour showing in each thin cheek, stood defiantly facing them.
"None of you," she said, "understand Roger. You never have!
I don't suppose you ever will!
Come on, Roger."
They left the room as Mr Gaitskill began clearing his throat and arranging his papers.
His countenance was one of deep disapprobation. He disliked the foregoing scenes very much.
That was clear.
My eyes came at last to Sophia herself.
She stood straight and handsome by the fireplace, her chin up, her eyes steady.
She had just been left an immense fortune, but my principal thought was how alone she had suddenly become.
Between her and her family a barrier had been erected.
Henceforth she was divided from them, and I fancied that she already knew and faced that fact.
Old Leonides had laid a burden upon her shoulders - he had been aware of that and she knew it herself.
He had believed that her shoulders were strong enough to bear it, but just at this moment I felt unutterably sorry for her.
So far she had not spoken - indeed she had been given no chance, but very soon now speech would be forced from her.
Already, beneath the affection of her family, I could sense latent hostility.
Even in Magda's graceful play-acting there had been, I fancied, a subtle malice.
And there were other darker under-currents that had not yet come to the surface.
Mr Gaitskill's throat clearings gave way to precise and measured speech.
"Allow me to congratulate you, Sophia," he said. "You are a very wealthy woman. I should not advise any - er - precipitate action.
I can advance you what ready money is needed for current expenses.
If you wish to discuss future arrangements I shall be happy to give you the best advice in my power.
Make an appointment with me at Lincoln's Inn when you have had plenty of time to think things over."
"Roger," began Edith de Haviland obstinately.
Mr Gaitskill snapped in quickly.
"Roger," he said, "must fend for himself.
He's a grown man - er, fifty-four, I believe. And Aristide Leonides was quite right, you know.
He isn't a businessman. Never will be." He looked at Sophia. "If you put Associated Catering on its legs again, don't be under any illusions that Roger can run it successfully."
"I shouldn't dream of putting Associated Catering on its legs again," said Sophia.
It was the first time she had spoken.
Her voice was crisp and businesslike.