"He deserves no more for his disobedience to his benefactor."
Sir Simon chuckled yet again. "I am quite of Julius's opinion," he declared. "Bernard has behaved shamefully. I wanted him to marry a Miss Perry, who is rich."
"Why can't you let him marry the woman he loves?" said Durham, with some heat. "They can live on ten thousand a year and be happy. What is the use of getting more money than is needed? Besides, from what I hear, this Miss Malleson is a charming girl."
"With no name and no position," said Sir Simon, "a mere paid companion. I don't want my grandson to make such a bad match. If he does, he must take the consequences. And he will—"
"Certainly he will," said Beryl, anxious about the signing of the will. "He has been hard-hearted for months, and shows no signs of giving in. Since I am to inherit the money I will allow Bernard two hundred a year, or such sum as Sir Simon thinks fit."
"Two hundred is quite enough," said the baronet. "Mr. Durham, we will see now about signing this will."
"Can I not persuade you to—"
"No! You can't persuade me to do anything but what I have done. I am sure Julius here will make a better use of the money than Bernard will. Won't you, Julius?"
"I hope so," replied Beryl, rising; "but I trust it will be many a long day before I inherit the money, dear uncle."
"Make your mind easy," said Sir Simon, dryly. "I intend to live for many a year yet."