He cleared his throat and in wondering silence Robert Morton waited.
"The property was left in bulk to an old friend whom Madam Lee had known for years—some one entirely outside the family."
Bob did not speak.
"I would gladly see the Lee money administered as its owner desired to have it," Mr. Galbraith went on. "Her ideas were wise, kind, and just, and the fulfilment of her wishes would have brought to me—to us all—the greatest happiness. But since that will was made a new condition has arisen. Delight Hathaway, the child of her favorite daughter, has appeared. Had the old lady lived, I feel certain that in view of this fact she would have altered the document that this girl might inherit at least a portion of the fortune in which her mother never had any share. You knew Madam Lee very intimately, Bob—probably better than any of the rest of us. What do you think?"
The reply came without hesitation.
"I am certain Madam Lee would have seen to it that her granddaughter was provided for."
"So it seems to me," rejoined Mr. Galbraith with evident relief. "I am glad that our code of ethics agrees thus far. Now the question is, Bob, how strong are you for the right? If honorable action meant sacrifice, would you be ready to meet it?"
"I hope so," was the modest response.
"I know so," Mr. Galbraith declared earnestly, "and it is because I am so sure of it that I came to you to-day. Bob, it was to you that Madam Lee left her fortune. It was to be used for the furthering of your dearest wish because—to quote her own words—because I love the boy as if he were of my own blood."
As he listened, Robert Morton's eyes grew cloudy, and emotion choked his utterance until he could not speak.