“The last thing we would think of doing,” answered Mrs. Carnaby, who was more impulsive than her sister, also less straightforward. “How often we have wished that our poor lost brother had not been deprived of them! But our father's will was sacred, and you told us we were helpless. We struggled, as you know; but we could do nothing.” “That is the question which brought me here,” the lawyer said, very quietly, at the same time producing a small roll of parchment sealed in cartridge paper. “Last week I discovered a document which I am forced to submit to your judgment. Shall I read it to you, or tell its purport briefly?” “Whatever it may be, it can not in any way alter our conclusions. Our conclusions have never varied, however deeply they may have grieved us. We were bound to do justice to our dear father.” “Certainly, madam; and you did it. Also, as I know, you did it as kindly as possible toward other relatives, and you only met with perversity. I had the honor of preparing your respected father's will, a model of clearness and precision, considering--considering the time afforded, and other disturbing influences. I know for a fact that a copy was laid before the finest draftsman in London, by--by those who were displeased with it, and his words were: 'Beautiful! beautiful! Every word of it holds water.' Now that, madam, can not be said of many; indeed, of not one in--” “Pardon, me for interrupting you, but I have always understood you to speak highly of it. And in such a case, what can be the matter?” “The matter of all matters, madam, is that the testator should have disposing power.” “He could dispose of his own property as he was disposed, you mean.” “You misapprehend me.” Mr. Jellicorse now was in his element, for he loved to lecture--an absurdity just coming into vogue. “Indulge me one moment. I take this silver dish, for instance; it is in my hands, I have the use of it; but can I give it to either of you ladies?” “Not very well, because it belongs to us already.” “You misapprehend me. I can not give it because it is not mine to give.” Mrs. Carnaby looked puzzled. “Eliza, allow me,” said Mistress Yordas, in her stiffer manner, and now for the first time interfering. “Mr. Jellicorse assures us that his language is a model of clearness and precision; perhaps he will prove it by telling us now, in plain words, what his meaning is.” “What I mean, madam, is that your respected father could devise you a part only of this property, because the rest was not his to devise. He only had a life-interest in it.” “His will, therefore, fails as to some part of the property? How much, and what part, if you please?” “The larger and better part of the estates, including this house and grounds, and the home-farm.” Mrs. Carnaby started and began to speak; but her sister moved only to stop her, and showed no signs of dismay or anger.