is not the kind of
building we want and I mean to propose some alterations."

He indicated the alterations, and Mrs. Halliday said: "But it will cost
a very large sum."

"I expect so. My money came from the iron mines; the Brunstock pitmen
and furnace men earned the most part for me. A number get hurt and it
is just that I should give them something back. Then if we called it
the Dearham hospital, as the committee suggest, the building would keep
my memory green, and I am vain enough to prefer a handsome monument."

"In some ways it is a good ambition," Mrs. Halliday agreed, although
she was puzzled, for she thought Bernard had an object he had not
stated. He certainly was not vain.

"Of course," he went on, "one must be just to one's relations, and it
would be harsh to leave out Jim altogether. Still, you see, he's rash;
we have an example in his dyking plan, and I would not like my money
squandered. I expect you know he has lost much of his in a Canadian
speculation?"

Mrs. Halliday did not know and got something of a jar. She gave
Bernard a quick and rather anxious glance.

"But if he has lost his, your gift would be more needful."

Bernard made a sign of disagreement. "The drawback is, Jim might use
it as rashly as he has used the rest."

"They sometimes waste money at hospitals."

"That is so, but if I carry out my plans, there will not be much waste
at Brunstock. I have been pondering some stipulations, and if I give
them a proper endowment, the trustees must consent."

"Do you mean to endow the new wards? We understood you would be
satisfied with giving part of what they needed for the original
building."

"Of course," said Bernard. "Since I'm going to urge the extension, I
must find the money. The hospital is getting a hobby of mine and I may
make the endowment much larger than I meant." He got up. "It's a long
drive and I must not keep the committee."

He went off and Mrs. Halliday tried to brace herself. She had grounds
for disturbance, but she must think. If Bernard carried out his plans,
it was obvious that she must change hers.

CHAPTER XI

EVELYN'S ADVENTURE

After Bernard had gone, Mrs. Halliday talked to Evelyn. At first she
was cautious and rather implied than stated her meaning, but by degrees
she threw off her reserve. Although Evelyn and her mother generally
agreed, Mrs. Halliday felt she was antagonistic, and this disturbed
her. Evelyn was not romantic; a