“To my fiancée, Miss Elizabeth Carter of Washington, I bequeath Abbott’s Lodge, and the real and personal estate, not otherwise specified, of which I die possessed.
“Should Miss Carter marry after my death, my special bequest to her stands revoked, and Alan Mason will become my residuary legatee, provided he is married before my death. If such is not the case, then all my property, as above specified, is to revert to the State of Maryland and Abbott’s Lodge be made a convalescent hospital for disabled American soldiers and a fund provided for its upkeep, and administered by officials appointed by the Governor of Maryland.
“I hereby appoint Daniel Corcoran of Washington my executor, and I charge him to see that all my just debts are paid out of my estate before it is divided.
“(Signed) Paul Mason Abbott.”
 | “John Harbin, | |
| Witnesses. | Marshall Turner, | |
| George Flint.” |
Absolute silence followed the reading of the will. Corcoran laid it down and took several papers out of his brief case.
“I have here a complete list of Paul Abbott’s real estate holdings, investments and securities,” he stated. “Roughly, his estate is estimated at a little over one million dollars.”
Trenholm broke the thunderstruck silence.
“Great Scott!” he exclaimed, and involuntarily his eyes traveled to Betty Carter and Alan Mason. The latter was leaning against the door, looking dazedly at the little lawyer. Betty had risen and Corcoran, catching her glance, addressed her. He was a trifle confused by her expression and hastened to adjust his glasses that he might see her more distinctly.
“Paul Abbott loved you devotedly,” he said, “as you can judge from his will.”