'You do not think he would have had time to open the envelope, tear off his signature, and reseal the cover before coming back to the room where you were?'
'Oh no! He went upstairs and came down again immediately.'
'Now tell me. Are you quite sure that he believed the will was intact when he gave it you?'
'I am sure of it from his manner.'
'And where did he keep it before he gave it you?'
'I do not know.'
'Had you any previous knowledge of the will and its contents?'
'None whatever. I have not even heard my mother speak of it; and she must have known, because she witnessed it. But I am sure also she had no idea as to its contents, or she would have joined with me in entreating him not to make such an unjust disposition of his property. I am glad the will is worthless, because I never could have felt that I had a right to receive all uncle—I mean Mr. Pennycomequick—left me in that will. I should have felt that I was robbing the relations, and I would have refused to benefit by the will.'
'Who is the John Dale who signed as witness along with your mother?'
'Mr. Dale! Oh, he was a dear friend of Mr. Pennycomequick. He always spent his Christmas here, and uncle went at Whitsuntide to spend a few days with him at Bridlington. Mr. Dale is trustee to Janet. We both like him.'