‘I am the bearer of ill news.’
Septimus turned pale as he beheld the unaccustomed expression of the features of the speaker.
‘But it is in my power to ward off the blow, or, I should say, in your power. I will come to the point at once. The late Colonel Redgrave employed Mr Bradbury to make a subsequent will, in which he annulled the will by which you inherit your legacy.’
Septimus felt his knees tremble beneath him, his teeth chattered, and he staggered towards a garden-seat which was close at hand.
Martha beheld with satisfaction the effect of the communication upon her auditor.
He gasped forth: ‘And who is the legatee?’
‘Miss Blanche Fraser.’
‘Gracious powers! The lady to whom I proposed!’ These words were not lost on Martha. They gave her increased determination to proceed with her dangerous mission.
‘You can still retain the fortune, if you will perform an act of tardy justice.’
‘What do you mean?’ exclaimed Septimus, with a lurking suspicion of the nature of the act required.