Barthorpe hesitated a moment before replying. Then he made as if to open the door.
“I decline to discuss the matter of the alleged will,” he answered. “I decline—especially,” he continued, lifting a finger and pointing at Mr. Tertius, “especially in the presence of that man!”
“Barthorpe!” exclaimed Peggie, flushing at the malevolence of the tone and gesture. “How dare you! In my house——”
Barthorpe suddenly laughed. Once again he turned to the door—and this time he opened it.
“Just so—just so!” he said. “Your house, my dear cousin—according to the alleged will.”
“Which will be proved, sir,” snapped out Mr. Halfpenny. “As you refuse, or seem to do so, I shall act for your cousin—at once.”
Barthorpe opened the door wide, and as he crossed the threshold, turned and gave Mr. Halfpenny a swift glance.
“Act!” he said. “Act!—if you can!”
Then he walked out and shut the door behind him, and Mr. Halfpenny turned to the others.
“The will must be proved at once,” he said decisively. “Alleged—you all heard him say alleged! That looks as if—um! My dear Tertius, you have no doubt whatever about the proper and valid execution of this important document—now in my safe. None?”