“It will not benefit me any more than the townspeople generally,” said the lawyer. “For my part, I should have been glad if my late friend had left a larger sum to those connected with him by blood.”
“Don't you think we could break the will?” asked Mrs. Pinkerton, persuasively. “Couldn't you help us?”
“You can attempt it, but I assure you in advance you haven't the ghost of a chance. You would only lose your money, for the town would strenuously oppose you.”
The stout lady's face fell. She felt that the last hope was gone.
“All I can say is, that it's a scandalous thing,” she concluded, bitterly.
“I should like to know what's in that trunk he left you,” said Cornelius Dixon, turning to Herbert. “Maybe it's money or bonds. If it is, don't forget our agreement.”
This drew attention to Herbert.
“To be sure,” said Mrs. Pinkerton, whose curiosity was aroused, “Mr. Dixon may be right. Suppose we all go over to the house and open it.”
Herbert looked irresolutely toward the lawyer.
“There is no objection, I suppose,” said Mr. Spencer.