"If it had been half!" said Miss Willoughby. "I would not have grudged the boy half my sister's fortune; but that he should leave it all to him!"
The clock struck four as she spoke, and the sound of a closing door was heard.
"Here comes Elaine," she said. "Please mention nothing of all this to her. She does not know."
"Does she not? Why not tell her?" asked Lady Mabel.
"I thought it might set her against her brother," answered Miss Ellen, "or make her disrespect the memory of her father. But I cannot feel as I should towards the Ortons I must confess. There was something very underhand; something must have been done, some undue influence exerted to induce him to leave such a will, for I know he loved Alice as he never loved his second wife."
"Is she alive still, the second Mrs. Brabourne?" asked Claud.
"No; she died two years ago. The boy is more than twelve years old. The money will be worth having by the time he attains his majority; when Elaine is twenty-one, I shall make another effort on her behalf."
"I am sure I wish you success, but I am afraid you have no case," said Claud, regretfully.
As he spoke the door was opened, and Elaine walked in.