"But I now find that there is such a possibility as your becoming a—well—a rich woman."
"O papa!"
"In which case I may conclude that your mother would benefit in some measure from your good fortune."
"Can you doubt that, papa? There should be no measure to her benefit from any money obtained by me."
"I do not doubt that, my dear. And it is with that idea that I wish to make a proposition to you—for your mother's possible advantage."
"I shall be happy to do anything you wish, papa."
"It must be done as a spontaneous act of your own, Charlotte, not in accordance with any wish of mine."
"What is it that I am to do?" asked Charlotte.
"Well, my dear, you see it is agreed between us that if you do get this money, your mother is certain to benefit considerably. But unhappily the proceedings are likely to drag on for an indefinite time; and in the course of that time it comes within the limits of possibility that your decease may precede that of your mother."
"Yes, papa."