Then, as a low murmur once more arose, the lawyer coughed loudly, and went on; every ear being again attent to his words, as he raised his voice and sent a galvanic shock through the semicircle of his listeners. "Conditionally--" He paused, and Jessop dropped Janet's hands, while his lips parted, displaying his white teeth. "Conditionally," repeated the lawyer, "upon her becoming the wife of my son, Clive Reed. In the event of her refusing to fulfil these my wishes, the above legacy of one hundred thousand pounds to become null and void." Jessop muttered an oath beneath his breath as he literally staggered at this announcement. Then, recovering himself-- "Stop!" he cried hoarsely; "there is another codicil." "No, sir," said the old lawyer gravely; and he began slowly to double up the will. "Wait a minute, sir," cried Jessop, whose hand, as he stretched it out in the midst of a painful silence, was trembling visibly. "Jessop--dear Jessop," said Janet faintly, as she tore off her veil, "be calm;" and she took a step or two towards the infuriated man, while Clive felt sick, as if from some terrible blow, and sat gazing at the shrinking girl as, with her face drawn with misery and white as ashes, she touched his brother on the arm. "Silence, woman!" he cried. "Here you!" and he turned to the lawyer, "give me that will." "I beg your pardon," said the lawyer gravely. "I have read the document." "Give it to me, I say. I want to see for myself." "It is not customary, sir," replied the lawyer. "You have heard its contents, and I am custodian, the representative of every one whose name is mentioned there." "Give it to me, I say," cried Jessop, stepping forward. "I will read it aloud again--myself." There was a dull sound, a snap, and the rattle of a key being withdrawn. "No, sir," said the lawyer, placing the key in his pocket. "In your excited state, and as the elder son, I would not trust that document in your hand a moment." "And quite right," said Dr Praed firmly. Quick as lightning Jessop made a dash at the lawyer; but a strong hand was upon his arm, and he was swung aside by Clive. "Are you mad--and at a time like this!" "Call it what you like," cried Jessop, "but don't you think I am going to be cheated and juggled out of my--of her rights. You have your share and are out of court. I'll have that will and read it over again." "You will do nothing of the kind," said Clive, "and you will not make a scene in this--in my house." "Indeed! Oh, yes, I know it is your house, but you've got too strong a man to deal with."