Vanstone's room; and, after
explaining Mr. Pendril's position toward the family, placed his letter
in the hands of the medical men. They both answered, without hesitation,
to the same purpose. Mrs. Vanstone's condition rendered any such
interview as the lawyer desired a total impossibility. If she rallied
from her present prostration, Miss Garth should be at once informed of
the improvement. In the meantime, the answer to Mr. Pendril might be
conveyed in one word--Impossible.
"You see what importance Mr. Pendril attaches to the interview?" said
Miss Garth.
Yes: both the doctors saw it.
"My mind is lost and confused, gentlemen, in this dreadful suspense.
Can you either of you guess why the signature is wanted? or what the
object of the interview may be? I have only seen Mr. Pendril when he has
come here on former visits: I have no claim to justify me in questioning
him. Will you look at the letter again? Do you think it implies that Mr.
Vanstone has never made a will?"
"I think it can hardly imply that," said one of the doctors. "But, even
supposing Mr. Vanstone to have died intestate, the law takes due care of
the interests of his widow and his children--"
"Would it do so," interposed the other medical man, "if the property
happened to be in land?"
"I am not sure in that case.
Pages:
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188