"His share amounts to two millions, or thereabouts."
"Thereabouts."
Mrs. De Peyster took two rustling, majestic steps toward her fireplace. "Until my son gives me very definite assurance that his conduct will be more suitable to me and my position, he is no longer my son." And so saying she tossed the will upon the fire. She allowed a moment of effective silence to elapse. "That is all, Jack. You are excused."
Jack stood and watched the flaming will flicker down to a glowing ash. One bandaged hand slowly smoothed his blond hair.
"Gee! I've seen people burning up money, and I've burnt up quite a bit myself, but I never saw two millions go as quick! Well, mother," he sighed, shaking his head, "I never suspected I'd end in such a little blaze. With such a pile I could have made a bigger bonfire than that."
CHAPTER IV
A SLIGHT PREDICAMENT
For several moments after Jack had withdrawn, Mrs. De Peyster stood in majestic silence beside the mantelpiece.
"We will forget this incident, Judge Harvey," she said at length. "Be seated, if you please."