The younger Miss Vanstone having read the Instructions, needs
no further information from my lips. The elder will, I hope, excuse me
if I tell her (what I should be ashamed to tell her, but that it is
a matter of necessity), that Mr. Michael Vanstone's provision for his
brother's children begins and ends with an offer to each of them of one
hundred pounds."
Norah's face crimsoned with indignation. She started to her feet, as
if Michael Vanstone had been present in the room, and had personally
insulted her.
"I see," said the lawyer, wishing to spare her; "I may tell Mr. Michael
Vanstone you refuse the money."
"Tell him," she broke out passionately, "if I was starving by the
roadside, I wouldn't touch a farthing of it!"
"Shall I notify your refusal also?" asked Mr. Pendril, speaking to
Magdalen next.
She turned round from the window--but kept her face in shadow, by
standing close against it with her back to the light.
"Tell him, on my part," she said, "to think again before he starts me
in life with a hundred pounds. I will give him time to think." She spoke
those strange words with a marked emphasis; and turning back quickly
to the window, hid her face from the observation of every one in the
room.
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