“‘This,’ said the stranger, opening the paper and reading it at a glance, ‘is your father’s will. I see he has left you half the property.’
“‘That is the will my husband forgot to destroy,’ cried the stepmother. ‘I have the real will.’
“‘May I see it?’ asked the stranger.
“The stepmother ran to fetch it, but when the stranger had opened it, not a line nor a word of writing could be found on it.
“‘I see you are fond of a joke,’ said the stranger, but the stepmother had fallen into a chair and sat with her face hid in her hands. ‘I am fond of a joke myself,’ continued the stranger, ‘and I think I can match yours.’
“With that the stranger took the real will, tore it in small pieces and threw it into the fireplace.
“‘What have you done?’ cried Eolen.
“‘The most difficult thing in the world,’ replied the stranger; ‘I have made this lady happy.’
“And sure enough the stepmother was smiling and thanking him.
“‘I thought you were my enemy,’ she said, ‘but now I see you are my friend indeed. How can I repay you?’