"I am ready to listen," said Mr. Manning. "If Frank wants a larger allowance, I am ready to give it."
"I venture to say for him that he will not be satisfied with that. Let me come to the point at once, Mr. Manning. Mrs. Manning's will has been found."
Mr. Manning started perceptibly, and his glance involuntarily wandered to that part of the wall behind which the will was discovered, for they were sitting in the very apartment where Mrs. Noonan had stumbled upon it.
"What do you mean, sir?"
"A will has been found, leaving the bulk of the property to Frank."
"Indeed! I am surprised. Is it a later will than the one which bequeathed the estate to me?" asked Mr. Manning, pointedly.
"It is Mrs. Manning's latest genuine will," said Col. Vincent, emphatically.
Mr. Manning started to his feet. He could not help understanding the colonel's meaning. It would have been idle to pretend it.
"What do you mean, Col. Vincent?" he asked, in a tone which he tried to make one of dignified resentment.
"I mean that Mrs. Manning made but one will, and that this bequeaths the property to Frank."