This was done: the instrument devised in legal and minute form all the property, real and personal, to Giulletta Corelli--a natural-born subject of his majesty, it appeared, though of foreign parentage, and of partially foreign education. "Allow me to say," broke in Mr. Ferret, interrupting me as I was about to speak--"allow me to say, Mr. Richards, that that will does you credit: it is, I should say, a first-rate affair, for a country practitioner especially. But of course you submitted the draught to counsel?" "Certainly I did," said Richards tartly. "No doubt--no doubt. Clearness and precision like that could only have proceeded from a master's hand. I shall take a copy of that will, Richards, for future guidance, you may depend, the instant it is registered in Doctors' Commons." "Come, come, Mr. Ferret," said I; "this jesting is all very well; but it is quite time the farce should end." "Farce!" exclaimed Mr. Richards. "Farce!" growled doubtful Mr. Quillet. "Farce!" murmured the beautiful Giulletta. "Farce!" cried Mr. Ferret. "My dear sir, it is about one of the most charming and genteel comedies ever enacted on any stage, and the principal part, too, by one of the most charming of prima donnas. Allow me, sir--don't interrupt me! it is too delicious to be shared; it is, indeed. Mr. Richards, and you, Mr. Quillet, will you permit me to observe that this admirable will has _one_ slight defect?" "A defect!--where--how?" "It is really heart-breaking that so much skill and ingenuity should be thrown away; but the fact is, gentlemen, that the excellent person who signed it had no property to bequeath!" "How?" "Not a shilling's worth. Allow me, sir, if you please. This piece of parchment, gentlemen, is, I have the pleasure to inform you, a marriage settlement." "A marriage settlement!" exclaimed both the men of law in a breath. "A marriage settlement, by which, in the event of Mr. Harlowe's decease, his entire property passes to his wife, in trust for the children, if any; and if not, absolutely to herself." Ferret threw the deed on the table, and then giving way to convulsive mirth, threw himself upon the sofa, and fairly shouted with glee. Mr. Quillet seized the document, and, with Richards, eagerly perused it. The proctor then rose, and bowing gravely to his astonished client, said, "The will, madam, is waste paper. You have been deceived." He then left the apartment.