With a sudden start, Edith dashed the tears from her eyes and turned toward the lawyer. She was conscious of a horrible fear—a feeling of dread lest this document, to which Mr. Brennan evidently attached such sinister importance, might contain something, she knew not what, which would apprise Donald of her relations with the dead man, and, like a voice from the grave blast her whole life. “Why is it necessary to read it?” she asked, her voice trembling with emotion.
Brennan turned and observed her gravely through his glasses. “Because, Mrs. Rogers,” he replied, “this document concerns you most intimately. It isn’t very long.” Again he took up the will and prepared to read.
“I—I don’t want to hear it,” sobbed Edith.
“Edith, what is wrong with you? Why should Mr. Brennan not read the will if it contains matters which concern us?” Donald turned to the lawyer. “You must pardon my wife, Mr. Brennan. This sad news has completely upset her. Go ahead.” He went over to Edith and, taking her arm, led her to a chair. “You had better sit down, Edith, and let Mr. Brennan finish what he has to say. There is no occasion for all this excitement.”
“But, Donald—listen—I—”
“Never mind now. We are detaining Mr. Brennan.” His voice was impatient, and he looked at her curiously. “Go ahead, sir,” he said, “and let us have the matter over with, whatever it is, as quickly as possible.”
Brennan, clearing his throat with a nervous cough, took up the will and began to read.
“‘I, William West, being of sound mind, do hereby make this my last will and testament.
“‘I give, devise and bequeath all my property, whether real or personal, and wherever situated, to Edith Pope Rogers, wife of Donald Evan Rogers, of New York City.’”
He paused, and glanced about to note the effect of his words. Edith had slowly risen from her chair, and her face was a picture of horrified amazement. Donald, almost equally surprised, looked from the lawyer to her, apparently unable to speak. Alice and Mrs. Pope were dumfounded. The whole party stood in silence regarding Mr. Brennan as though they could scarcely grasp what they had heard.