"It makes a great difference to me," said Gerald, bitterly. "I am disinherited and I have no prospects."
"Ahem! I hope you don't reproach your father so soon after his death. It is unbecoming to say the least."
"I don't reproach him, but I can't understand why he should leave all his property to you, and nothing to me."
"That statement is misleading."
"Isn't it true?"
"Yes, he has shown his confidence in me sufficiently to leave the property in my hands, but he commends you to my care. Therefore, you cannot be said to be disinherited."
"I am left dependent upon you," said Gerald, with a tinge of bitterness in his voice.
"So you were dependent upon him."
"That was different. He was my father."
"And I am your mother."