Mrs. V. B. No; it is quite unfettered, and consists principally of long leaseholds and funded property, left me by my godfather, and a small sum of money acquired by Captain Van Brugh on his first marriage.
Dr. A. His first marriage! Bless me, I never knew he had been married before.
Mrs. V. B. Yes (much agitated), a most unhappy match. She—she left him under discreditable circumstances—went to Australia—resumed her maiden name, and, under that name, died in Melbourne.
Dr. A. And when did this unhappy lady die?
Mrs. V. B. (still agitated). Oh! years ago—It’s a terrible story. I don’t like to think of it—I can’t bear to talk of it.
Dr. A. (aside). What a blundering old savage I am! If there is a pitfall open, ten to one I tumble into it! (Aloud.) I have always understood that where marriage settlements of any consideration are concerned, it is customary to employ a solicitor. I can’t quote my authority, but, I feel sure that I am right.
Mrs. V. B. Old Mr. Smailey is an executor under Captain Van Brugh’s will, and his solicitor has always acted for me.
Dr. A. His solicitor! what, that queer little red-faced fellow who accompanies him everywhere?
Mrs. V. B. No. Ha! ha! ha! I suppose Mr. Fitz Partington is a junior partner, or head clerk, or something of the kind—at all events, his name doesn’t appear in the firm.
Dr. A. Well, leave it to me, Mrs. Van Brugh, and I’ll write to my brother, the Vice-Chancellor, who will tell us what to do. Now I’m off. (Noise without.) Why—what’s this? Bless me, Mrs. Van Brugh, what is the cause of this commotion?