“But — but — ” Mrs. Frederick was visibly agitated, though not over the thought that she was the mother-in-law of John Foster — ”Dr. Redfern is a millionaire!”

Uncle Benjamin shut his mouth with a snap.

“Ten times over,” he said.

Valancy nodded.

“Yes. Barney left home years ago — because of — of some trouble — some — disappointment. Now he will likely go back. So you see — I had to come home. He doesn’t love me. I can’t hold him to a bond he was tricked into.”

Uncle Benjamin looked incredibly sly.

“Did he say so? Does he want to get rid of you?”