"How can Everett say such things! You know, mother, Jackson would never think of doing anything so—mean—so ungrateful!"
"Some people might consider that he was justified. And it is a very large sum of money. If he had expectations of—"
"Just because uncle Powers was always so kind to him!" the girl interrupted hotly. "Was that any reason why he should leave him a lot of his money?"
"My dear, most people would think it was a sufficient reason for leaving him more than he did."
"Then most people are very self-interested! Everett Wheeler might expect it. But Jackson has something better in life to do than worry over not getting his uncle's money."
Mrs. Spellman, who had known Jackson since he was a child, smiled wisely, but made no reply.
"What good would the money be to him? Why should he want more than he has,—the chance to do splendid things, to work for something better than money? That's the worst about men like Everett,—they think of nothing but money, money, from morning to night. He doesn't believe that a man can care for any other thing."
"Poor Everett!" her mother remarked with quiet irony. "He isn't thinking of contesting the will, however."
"Nor is Jackson, I am sure!" the girl answered positively.
She rose from her chair by the lamp, and walked to and fro in the room. When she stood she was a tall woman, almost large, showing the growth that the New England stock can develop in a favorable environment. While she read, her features had been quite dull, but they were fired now with feeling, and the deep eyes burned.