"Since then, I have seen fit to make an alteration," continued Mr. Verner. "I mention it to you, Bitterworth, that you may not be surprised when you hear the will read. Also I would tell you that I made the change of my own free act and judgment, unbiassed by any one, and that I did not make it without ample cause. The estate is not left to Lionel Verner, but to Frederick Massingbird." Mr. Bitterworth had small round eyes, but they opened now to their utmost width. "What did you say?" he repeated, after a pause, like a man out of breath. "Strictly speaking, the estate is not bequeathed to Frederick Massingbird; he will inherit it in consequence of John's death," quietly went on Mr. Verner. "It is left to John Massingbird, and to Frederick after him, should he be the survivor. Failing them both----" "And I am still executor?" interrupted Mr. Bitterworth, in a tone raised rather above the orthodox key for a sick-room. "You and Sir Rufus. That, so far, is not altered." "Then I will not act. No, Stephen Verner, long and close as our friendship has been, I will not countenance an act of injustice. I will not be your executor, unless Verner's Pride goes, as it ought, to Lionel Verner." "Lionel has forfeited it." "Forfeited it!--how can he have forfeited it? Is this"--Mr. Bitterworth was given to speak in plain terms when excited--"is this the underhand work of Mrs. Verner?" "Peace, Bitterworth! Mrs. Verner knows nothing of the change. Her surviving son knows nothing of it; John knew nothing of it. They have no idea but that Lionel is still the heir. You should not jump to unjust conclusions. Not one of them has ever asked me how my property was left; or has attempted, by the smallest word, to influence me in its disposal." "Then, what has influenced you? Why have you done it?" demanded Mr. Bitterworth, his voice becoming more subdued. To this question Mr. Verner did not immediately reply. He appeared not to have done with the defence of his wife and her sons. "Mrs. Verner is not of a covetous nature; she is not unjust, and I believe that she would wish the estate willed to Lionel, rather than to her sons. She knows no good reason why it should not be willed to him. And for those sons--do you suppose either of them would have gone out to Australia, had he been cognisant that he was heir to Verner's Pride?" "Why have you willed it away from Lionel?" "I cannot tell you," replied Mr. Verner, in a tone of sharp pain. It betrayed to Mr. Bitterworth what sharper pain the step itself must have cost. "It is _this_ which has been on your mind, Verner--disturbing your closing years?"