“I hope we shall be able to complete our arrangements, Mr. Carteret,”
“I hope so, my lord,” replied the solicitor. “But I am desired by Mrs. Calverley to offer you some explanation, as she fears there has been a slight misunderstanding on your lordship's part. It is always better these affairs should be arranged by professional men, who don't hesitate to ask each other questions.”
“I thought there were no questions to ask,” said Lord Courland, rather surprised. “Everything appeared clear.”
“So it seemed. But I find, on conferring with Mrs. Calverley, that she was under a misapprehension as to her power——”
“What do you mean, sir?” cried his lordship, quickly. “If I am rightly informed, she has absolute control over her late husband's property?”
“She has so now, my lord,” replied the solicitor.
“You don't mean to insinuate that she forfeits the property, in case she marries again?” cried his lordship, in dismay.
“That is precisely her position, my lord,” replied Mr. Carteret, calmly. “The property will go to her step-daughter, Miss Mildred Calverley!”
“Why was I not informed of this before?” cried Lord Courland, looking very angry.
“It is on this point that I desire to offer your lordship an explanation,” said the solicitor. “Until Mrs. Calverley conferred with me about the settlement, she was quite unaware of her ability to make one.”