“What a blow this will be to Emily, Dad. Why, she has counted on her inheritance for everything! Now, she won’t be able to help Dick.”
“It’s a shame, all right,” Mr. Drew agreed.
“Surely, she won’t lose her entire inheritance, Father. The jewels were never turned over to her. Couldn’t Mrs. Willoughby be held responsible?”
“That’s a legal question, Nancy.”
“But the loss was due to her carelessness.”
“Apparently so. But the court would demand absolute proof. Emily would have to bring suit against her guardian.”
“I suppose she’ll never do that,” Nancy said thoughtfully. “Emily told me that she is fond of her guardian.”
“Moreover, it’s very doubtful that she could collect a cent if she did bring suit. Even if she won the case I don’t see that she would gain much.”
“Why, I thought Mrs. Willoughby had a great deal of money.”
“She did at one time. But I’ve been told that most of it has slipped through her fingers. Mrs. Willoughby has lived a bit high, Nancy. She likes to move in gay society and associate with expensive friends.”
“ Mrs. Potter for instance.”
“Yes. While her husband was alive, Mrs. Willoughby never had to think about money matters. Unfortunately, she is not a good business woman.”
“Are you certain she is in straitened circumstances?” Nancy inquired anxiously.