Mortimer meant to be nasty, but his languid malice bit deeper than he knew.

Cartwright had hesitated, weighing the value of his wife's help against his scruples, until his step-son's hints had tipped the beam.

After all, if he used Clara's money and saved his skin at her cost, the pup would have some grounds to sneer.
"I must keep control for some time yet," he said.

"Times are bad, and if I let go the helm I doubt if my successor could steer a safe course.
When the need is gone I'll willingly give up, but I must bring the old ship into port first.

In the meantime, you had better let Stormont's buy you sound Corporation stock." Mrs.Cartwright acquiesced and Cartwright watched the young people beyond the arch.