“There does; a true, large, manly heart, full of deep feeling; you may be sure of this, madam,” I answered, with some warmth.
“I will not gainsay your words, Doctor. I trust for his sake that it may be so.”
“Leaving out the heart matter, and regarding him only as to his fitness for the work in hand, you are favorably impressed?”
“Quite so. I find him quick of apprehension, intelligent, and of sufficient gravity of deportment to ensure a respectful attention wherever he may go. He made one suggestion that ought to have occurred to me, and upon which I am acting. As no will has been found, it has been assumed that Captain Allen died intestate. Mr. Wallingford suggests that a will may have been executed; and that a thorough search be made in order to discover if one exists. In consequence of this suggestion, Blanche and I have been hard at work for two days, prying into drawers, examining old papers, and looking into all conceivable, and I had almost said inconceivable places.”
“And if you were to find a will?” said I, looking into her earnest face.
“The question would be that much nearer to a solution.”
“Is it at all probable that it would be in your favor?”
I saw her start at the query, while her brows closed slightly, as if from a sudden pain. She looked at me steadily for a few moments, without speaking; then, after a long inspiration, she said:
“Whether in my favor or not, any disposition that he has made of his property, in law and right, must, of course, stand good.”
“You might contest such a will, if not in your favor.”