"I think, mother, you will hardly maintain these provisions."
She turned toward him.
"Yes, James, I shall maintain them."
Meanwhile Arthur, deeply flushed, stood running his hand through his fair hair as though in bewilderment.
"I sha'n't take it, mother! I give you full warning. Whenever it comes to me I shall hand it back to Corry."
"It won't come to you, except as a life interest. The estates will be in trust," said Lady Coryston.
Coryston gave a loud, sudden laugh, and stood looking at his mother from a little distance.
"How long have you been concocting this, mother? I suppose my last speeches have contributed?"
"They have made me finally certain that your father could never have intrusted you with the estates."
"How do you know? He meant me to have the property if I survived you. The letter which he left for me said as much."