"You go and ask him," Stephen advised Maud. "You can't do any harm, because he's just given me notice."
This announcement provoked an outcry. Joseph wanted to know what could have induced the man to do such a silly thing; Mathilda ejaculated: "Snake!" and Paula said he would be a good riddance.
"I think very badly of him for giving notice at such a time as this!" said Joseph. "It is very selfish of him, very selfish indeed!"
"It is annoying, because I meant to give him the boot before he could do it," said Stephen. "What's more, he'll be wanted to swear to Uncle Nat's will, before it's admitted to probate."
"Why?" asked Paula.
Stephen made a slight, contemptuous gesture towards his uncle. Joseph said: "I'm afraid that's my fault, my dear. It's so long since I read my law that I've become shockingly rusty. I very stupidly forgot that it's usual to insert an Attestation Clause. It doesn't really matter, only it means that both witnesses will be wanted before we can get probate."
"Well, he can go and swear his piece before a Commissioner for Oaths," said Stephen. "Not that it's necessary. As long as we know where to find him, he can still do his swearing even though he isn't any longer employed here."
"You make him swear before he leaves!" advised Mathilda. "I wouldn't put it past him to try to put a spoke in your wheel somehow!"
"My dear, what a dreadful thing to say!" exclaimed Joseph. "He may have his faults, but we've no reason to think him dishonest!"
"He loathes Stephen," Mathilda said obstinately.