"Does the will allow it?" asked Tom doubtfully.
"It does not forbid it. And I shall get me a wife."
At that Tom burst out laughing, but checked himself hurriedly as he met his brother's reproving eye.
"God save us, and the old gentleman but three days dead! Not that I meant any disrespect, y'know. Faith, the old man 'ud be the first to laugh with me, stap me if he wouldn't!" He stifled another laugh, and shrugged his shoulders. "Or he would before he went crazy-pious over this devilish great barn of a house. You'll never have the money to keep it, Maurry," he added cheerfully, "let alone a wife."
Maurice twirled his eyeglass, frowning.
"My father has left even more than I expected," he said.
"Oh ay! But it'll be gone after a week's play! God ha' mercy, Maurry, do ye hope to husband it?"
"Nay, I hope to husband a wife. The rest I'll leave to her."
Tom came heavily to his feet. He stared at his brother, round-eyed.
"Blister me, but I believe the place is turning you like the old gentleman! Now, Maurry, Maurry, stiffen your back, man!"