"I think, Mr. Richmond, it is my mother you wish to see, not myself. I thought you would understand my position. I am surprised that you do not, since you have been so close to my father…. My father and I did not agree on matters which both of us considered vital. There were differences which could not be abridged. So I am here merely as his son, not as his successor in any way."
"I don't understand."
"My father," said Bonbright, with a trace of impatience, "disowned me, and—disinherited, I believe, is the word—disinherited me."
"Oh no! No!… Indeed no! You are laboring under a misapprehension. … You are mistaken. I am glad to be able to relieve your mind on that point. Nothing of the sort was done. I am in a position to know. … I will admit your father discussed such action, but the matter went no farther. Perhaps it was his intention to do as you say, but he put it off…. He seemed to have a prejudice against making a will. As a matter of fact, he died intestate…"
"You mean—"
"I mean that your father's wealth—and it was considerable, sir—will be disposed of according to the statutes of Descent and Distribution. In other words, having failed to dispose of his property by testament, the law directs its disposition. With the exception of certain dower rights the whole vests in yourself."
Here was something to think of. Here was a new and astounding set of circumstances to which he must adapt himself…. He experienced no leap of exultation. The news left him cold. Queerly, his thoughts in that moment were of Ruth and of her great plan.
"If she had waited…" he thought.
No, he was glad she had not waited. He did not want her that way…. It was not her he wanted, but her love. He thought bitterly that he would willingly exchange all that had become his for that one possession. He could have anything—everything—he wanted now but that….
"I am glad to be able to give you such news," said Mr. Richmond.