She shook her head, compressed her lips firmly, and said:
“No. I should not contest the will. My belief was, when I came here, that he died without making a bequest of any kind, and that his property would go, in consequence, to the heir-at-law. This was the information that I received. If it should prove otherwise, I shall make no opposition.”
“Do you intend, under this view, continuing the search for a will?”
Something in the tone of voice touched her unpleasantly. I saw the light in her eyes glow intenser, and her lips arch.
“Why not?” she asked, looking at me steadily. I could have given another meaning to my question from the one I intended to convey, had it so pleased me, and thus avoided a probable offence. But I wished to see a little deeper into the quality of her mind, and so used the probe that was in my hand.
“If you find a will, devising the property out of your line, all your present prospects are at an end,” said I.
“I know it.”
Her voice was firm as well as emphatic.
“Then why not take the other horn of this dilemma? Give up searching for a will that can hardly be in your favor, and go on to prove your title through consanguinity.”
“And thus shut my eyes to the probable rights of others, in order to secure a personal advantage? Do you think I would do this, Doctor? If so, you have mistaken me.”