Finally, Colonel Lawton could stand it no longer. Still with his back to the heir, and his eyes toward the fire, he cried:
"Well, go ahead, Frederik."
No response. Mr. Batholommey tried next.
"I knew your uncle would remember his friends and his charities," he said smugly. "He gave it in such a free-handed, princely way."
Frederik could not resist a sarcastic chuckle, as he glanced toward the three backs once more, and then began to read the memorandum aloud.
"For Mrs. Batholommey:"
He got no further for, at the first word, the three chairs were turned around to face Frederik, quickly and simultaneously; so that the beneficiaries might not have even their own backs between them and their coming fortune.
At hearing her name, Mrs. Batholommey burst out:
"The dear man! To think he remembered me! I knew he'd remember the church and Mr. Batholommey—of course—but to think he'd remember me!"
Here she cast her eyes up to heaven in grateful recognition.