"Oh," said Keith, altering his manner, "has Strause anything to do with this?"
"A great deal. I went up to town yesterday to consult his lawyer."
"Why? have you not your own business man?"
"I have; but Strause thinks a great deal of Mr. Gust."
"And have you made a will and signed it?"
"There is a will being drawn up. I cannot tell you its contents; it would not be fair, as you are one of those who will profit by it."
Keith sprang to his feet.
"Look here, Aylmer, old man," he said, "I have as much money as I need. Don't put me in your will; strike that part out. I don't want a man to leave his money away from his relatives."
"Well, then, Strause gets about everything. I am an only son of an only son, and my mother had neither brothers nor sisters."
"You talk as though you were dropping into the grave," said Keith. "All in good time you will marry and have children of your own. Don't sign that will, if you take my advice. Strause is playing his cards for his own ends. And now I will say no more."