“The Baroness has no claim on the property now,” said Ursula. “She is very nearly childish, as you are aware.” The Baroness would mean Gerard.
“If Mynheer the Baron died after your little boy,” said the notary, as gently as he could, “then his mother and brother are his heirs. But, Mevrouw, if the Baron died first, then your little boy inherited the property at that moment, and you, being a widow, are the only person entitled to any estate left by your child.”
“My husband died first,” said Ursula.
Notary Noks rose in his agitation. “Then, madame,” he said, “you are the owner of the Manor-house. Henceforth you are the Lady of Horstwyk and the Horst.”
Ursula looked into the lawyer’s face. “It is an inheritance of debt,” she said.
PART III.—CHAPTER XXXIII
INTRIGUE
“Ursula van Helmont is better,” announced Willie, dawdling into his wife’s boudoir; “they say she will live.”