genuine. Should another claimant arise we should be placed in a very awkward situation.”
“Is there going to be another claimant? And what is there to claim?”
“So far as I know there is going to be none; but in legal matters it is necessary to be prepared for every emergency. As to what there is to claim, I will tell you.”
I gave him back the blue paper. He began to read. Emily came closer. I could feel that she was all of a flutter.
“‘This is the last will and testament of me, Benjamin Batters.
“‘On condition that she does as I hereby direct I give and bequeath to my niece, Mary Blyth, the daughter of my sister, Mary Ann Batters, who married Augustus Blyth, and who when I last heard tell of her was assistant at Cardew & Slaughter’s, a life income of Four Hundred and Eighty Eight Pounds Nineteen Shillings and Sixpence a year, interest of my money invested in Consols.’”
Mr. Paine stopped.
“I may say that bonds producing that amount were enclosed in the package. Here they are.”
“Four Hundred and Eighty Eight Pounds Nineteen Shillings and Sixpence a year!” said Emily, “I congratulate you, Pollie!”
She kissed me, right in front of Mr. Paine. For my part, I felt a queer something steal all over me. My heart began to beat. To think of Uncle Benjamin, of all people in the world, leaving me such a fortune as that! And at the very moment when all my expectations in this world amounted to exactly fifteen shillings! There need be no more waiting for Tom and me. We would be married before the year was out, or I would know the reason why.
