RICHARD.
(dubiously). Hm! Anything more, Mr. Hawkins?
HAWKINS.
(solemnly). “Finally I gave and bequeath my soul into my Maker’s hands, humbly asking forgiveness for all my sins and mistakes, and hoping that he will so guide my son that it may not be said that I have done wrong in trusting to him rather than to others in the perplexity of my last hour in this strange place.”
ANDERSON.
Amen.
THE UNCLES AND AUNTS.
Amen.
RICHARD.
My mother does not say Amen.
MRS. DUDGEON.
(rising, unable to give up her property without a struggle). Mr. Hawkins: is that a proper will? Remember, I have his rightful, legal will, drawn up by yourself, leaving all to me.
HAWKINS.
This is a very wrongly and irregularly worded will, Mrs. Dudgeon; though (turning politely to Richard) it contains in my judgment an excellent disposal of his property.
ANDERSON.
(interposing before Mrs. Dudgeon can retort). That is not what you are asked, Mr. Hawkins. Is it a legal will?
HAWKINS.
The courts will sustain it against the other.
ANDERSON.
But why, if the other is more lawfully worded?