Mr. Duck smiled.
‘Of course he is, my dear, but not in the eyes of the law.
In a railway accident, or burned in a theatre, or blown up by an explosion of gas, we might have found a button or a coat-tail or something to swear by. You see in the present unsatisfactory state of the case there are people to whom money is left who can’t touch it.’
Miss Georgina shot an arrow.
‘There’s Mrs. Turvey, the housekeeper, has five hundred pounds, for instance.’
‘Yes, my dear, that estimable lady has, or rather will have, five hundred pounds.’
‘I dare pay some old fool will be after her directly that gets known,’ said Miss Georgina, with a look at Miss Jackson.
Jabez protended not to hear, but, turning to George, addressed his conversation specially to him.
It was a stormy evening, and the clouds had been gathering threateningly in the sky, with an indication of more violent tempest yet to come.
Just as Jabez was minutely describing the appearance of the ghost as seen by Mrs. Turvey, a terrific peal of thunder crashed through the stillness of the night, and vivid flashes of lightning played about the room.