Hermione spoke slowly and there was a bitterness in her voice that told Valeda how much she resented this restriction.
“Oh, Hermione, I am so sorry!” Valeda cried. “But surely the American shares amount to so many millions that you would still be very rich?”
“Not as rich as I am at the moment,” Hermione said, “and I have been planning very carefully what I shall do.”
She paused before she said,
“I suppose it does not matter my talking frankly about it to you, Valeda, since, of course, as soon as we arrive back in England, you will go home.”
“Y-yes of course,” Valeda murmured.
“Then I will tell you what I am planning,” Hermione said, as if she could not bear to keep her cleverness to herself but had to boast to somebody.
Valeda was listening intently as Hermione continued.
“I lay aw
