“Very well. I wish everything I possess to pass unconditionally to my brother-in-law, the Baron van Helmont.”
The notary gave a visible start, and pricked his pen into the great sheet of paper. He nodded his head with complacent approval.
“Should he be dead,” continued Ursula, “I wish it to belong to his cousin, the Jonker Theodore. That is all.”
“Quite so,” said the notary. “Quite right. And now, Mevrouw, I have only one objection.”
“No objection,” interrupted Ursula, vehemently. “There is none. Surely you have understood me?”
“I have understood you, but the objection remains. The thing can’t be done. That is all.”
Ursula started up.
“Can’t be done!” she cried. “I am the best judge, Mynheer Noks, of what I choose to do with my own. I understand your being vexed at my disturbing your party; but if you refuse to draw up my will as I desire, I shall drive on till the horse drops, in search of another attorney.” She trembled from head to foot.
But the lawyer was also exceedingly angry. He had always, since Otto’s death, disliked and distrusted “My Lady.”
“You may drive to Drum, if you wish to,” he replied, “but you won’t find a lawyer who can alter the law. No, Mevrouw, nor can I, even though you disturb my party to get it done. Be sure that I’d draw up a deed of gift, if you chose, this minute; but the law’s stronger than you or I. And as long as your father lives he must come into half of your property.”