"And which did you choose," asked Talbot, trying vainly to conceal his intense interest in the matter.
"I chose a life interest only, and signed the necessary papers for the surrogate."
"Then when you die, all will go to that good-for-nothing boy."
"All will go to Robert, yes; but he is not a good-for-nothing boy."
"That is where we differ, Mrs. Talbot. Once he gets the fortune he will run through it like wildfire, mark my words."
"Robert is far too sensible to do any such thing."
"Suppose he dies before you do, what then becomes of the estate?"
"It becomes mine absolutely."
"I see."
"But I do not anticipate Robert will die before I do," went on Mrs. Talbot. "He is a strong, healthy lad."