Gertrude’s heart gave a great throb, and she dared not meet the frank, merry eyes directed at her.
“Humph?” ejaculated the lawyer, scanning the face before him narrowly, and always to be met by a frank, manly look. “I find I am supposed to be wrong, then, about the watch?”
“Oh, yes, sir, you were wrong there. Why, by Jove! the old man wrote and told me he should leave me that watch.”
“There was the series of remittances then, sir,” continued the lawyer. “You will allow, then, that the late Mr Harrington made you an allowance?”
“I agree that this is a trap, Mr Lawyer,” said the young man; “but that was a thoroughly confidential matter, upon which we will not speak. Yes; have it your way if you like—the old man used to keep me.”
“Humph! I wish my co-executor was here,” said the lawyer, after a pause.
“So do I, sir, if it would simplify matters. All this is very unpleasant, of course.”
“More so, sir, than you imagine.”
“Well, pray tell me what to do. Here have I come to claim my heritage and my—I beg pardon,” he said quickly, with an admiring look at Gertrude, “my wife and my heritage, and the lady does not so much as shake hands with me.”
Gertrude, in spite of herself, gave him an apologetic look.