"No; but Joad did, and the money came to him. On the day that he made his confession--as if anticipating his untimely end--he made his will, and left all the money to you."
"All the money to Dora?" cried Allen joyfully. "Then she inherits her father's money, after all!"
"Every penny of it," replied Carver gravely; "and I'm glad to say so."
"But--but can I take it?" said Dora in a hesitating manner.
"Tut, tut! Why not? You need have no compunction in doing so, my dear. As your father's daughter and sole offspring, he should have left it to you. It has only passed through Joad's hands on its way to your pockets. Take it by all means. I kept the telling of this for you as a pleasant surprise. Do not spoil my little plot by a refusal."
"What do you say, Allen?"
"I say with Mr. Carver, my dear, take it--it is lawfully yours."
"Then I shall accept it. Fifty thousand pounds! O Allen!" Dora flung her arms round his neck. "You can go to London--we can take a house in Harley Street--you can become a famous physician--and--and----"
"And all your geese will be swans!" laughed Carver kindly.
But Allen did not laugh. He held Dora to his breast and kissed her.