"Ann," she began, while the tears streamed down her checks, "I never said anything to poor mother. I didn't know she had a penny laid by. As for thinking she was going to leave me this money! How could I? If I'd known of it, I should have thought it would go to all alike, or more to you than me, when I hadn't seen mother for years."
Sobs stopped Mrs. Livesey's utterance, and though her sister did allude to "crocodile tears," the sympathy was with Margaret, and Martha bade her wipe her eyes and never mind, adding, "Better bear ill than do ill."
Mr. Collinge, too, interfered, and with authority, and told Mrs. Bradford that her sister's coming could have had no influence upon their mother, for Mrs. Allison's will had been made fully three months before.
"Then what did you come here for last week, with Miss Collinge, if it wasn't for her to witness something?" asked Mrs. Bradford, moved to tears now, though not of sorrow for the loss of her mother.
The gentleman could hardly forbear a smile.
"I have no objection to tell you, Mrs. Bradford, though I am not obliged to do so. I came in order that Mrs. Allison might place her club books and some other necessary documents in my keeping. Also to receive her instructions to furnish all her daughters with suitable mourning, free of expense to themselves. If you object to this, you can still pay for yours. Miss Collinge accompanied me, as she has often done before, when I have called upon your mother—not a matter of necessity, but out of good-will. As the directions were given and the books handed over in her presence, she was so far a witness. In fact, she took them out of a drawer in Mrs. Allison's room, at her request. She also heard your mother say that she wished each of her daughters to have what would make them equal, and the money she had saved unknown to any of her children would insure this. She said that you, Mrs. Bradford, suspected her of having put by a little, and wanted to get at it. I could say more, but for your sake, I will be silent."
Mr. Collinge had been induced to speak thus frankly, in order to defend Margaret, as well as to punish her elder sister for her greed and unseemly display of temper on such an occasion. His words had the effect intended, and Mrs. Bradford, instead of continuing the attack, seemed glad to get away from the house, which was left in Margaret's charge.
"The articles left to your sisters are all mentioned, and can be removed without delay. Whatever the remainder produces will belong to you, so you are the fittest person to take charge of them," said Mr. Collinge.
"Eh, but I don't want to stay any longer than can be helped, sir," replied Mrs. Livesey. "Just think! I've been near on a month away from my husband, and there are five more at home beside this—" indicating the baby by a little jerk of the head in her direction. "I wouldn't mind for a day or two, but I must be back at Millborough by the week end."
"So you shall, Mrs. Livesey. This is Tuesday. I am sure you will be able to return home on Friday," said Mr. Collinge, sympathising with her anxiety.