“Yes, all are here,” answered the Countess Adele. “You may proceed, Doctor.”
Great excitement was visible in the features of those in the semicircle. They were all more or less pale and breathless. The doctor straightened his spectacles and began:—
“Ladies and gentlemen, I have here the testament of my honored patron and client, Count Eduard von Sielen, and I will now read it before the assembled family. For more than twenty years, I have had the honor of serving as the attorney and agent of the late count. It is, therefore, only natural that he should have put into my hands the will which I and my solicitor have signed as witnesses, and that he should have designated me as his executor. I am fully acquainted with the condition of his affairs and I have an inventory of all the real estate and personal property which he has left. Here it is: if you will grant me permission, I will first put this fully before you.
“The count’s property was larger than might have been supposed from his comparatively modest scale of living. It consists: (1) Of the domain of Sielenburg in Moravia, of Grossmarkendorf in Lower Austria, and of Hochberg in Carinthia. These possessions amount altogether to 8700 acres of land and are unencumbered; (2) the Sielen palace on the Wieden in Vienna; (3) bank-deposits in English and national banks amounting nominally to two million five hundred thousand crowns. I have also a complete list of the jewels, silver plate, paintings, and furniture to be found in the various castles, in the Vienna palace, and also in storage. And now I will proceed to the reading of the will.”
The excitement in the semicircle had grown still more intense, and while the lawyer was breaking the seal of the envelope and unfolding a large sheet of parchment, one might have heard the beating hearts of those in the assembly.
Dr. Fixstern cleared his throat a second time and read in a loud voice:—
“This is my last will.
“I commend my soul to God.
“Since my property is not entailed, I am free to dispose of it in accordance with my best judgment.
“I make my disposition as follows: I nominate as my universal legatee my granddaughter, Franka Garlett.”