“No. But I will find out and see him at once. It is important that there shall be as little delay as possible.” Previous experiences made Murray quick at jumping to conclusions in such cases, and he now thought he had the explanation of this unusually prompt call. The woman was stylishly dressed, but that was no proof that she had the ready cash essential at such a time. “I think I understand,” said Murray delicately. “You can not meet the expenses incident to—” “I have nothing to do with any expenses,” the woman again interrupted coldly. “_She_ looked after him in life, and she can look after him now.” “She!” exclaimed Murray. “Who?” “The nurse,” replied the woman scornfully. “But she can’t have the insurance—not a cent of it. And that’s what she has been after.” “Let me understand this,” said Murray thoughtfully. “You and your husband have not been living together?” “Not for five years.” “And this other woman?” “She was an old flame, and she went to him when he became ill.” “Did he send for you?” “No. He knew better than to do that. But the insurance is in my name, and I’m going to have it—all of it. That’s my right, isn’t it?” “Yes,” replied Murray slowly; “I’m sorry to say that is your absolute right.” The supreme selfishness and heartlessness of the woman were revolting to Murray. “The policy names you as beneficiary, and when it is presented, with proof of death, the money will have to be paid to you.” “How am I to get the policy?” asked the woman. “He had it put away somewhere.” “That is a matter upon which I can not undertake to advise you,” replied Murray. “Anyhow,” declared the woman defiantly, for Murray’s words and expression showed his disapprobation, “I want to serve notice on you that not one cent of the money is to be paid to any one else. It would be just like that nurse to try to get it.” “You shall have every cent to which you are entitled,” replied Murray with frigid courtesy, “but nothing is to be gained by further discussion.” “I suppose,” exclaimed the woman with sharp resentfulness, “that your sympathies are with that shameless nurse.” “I don’t know,” returned Murray quietly. “I’m not at all sure that your husband was not the one who was most entitled to sympathy.”