"
"'I am the only member of the Kingsnorth family who ever made any
money. All my precious relations either inherited it or married to
get it.'--"
"I assure you--" began Mrs. Chichester.
Alaric checked her: "Half a moment, mater. Let us hear it out to the
bitter end. He must have been an amusin' old gentleman!"
Mr. Hawkes resumed: "--'consequently I am not going to leave one
penny to relations who are already, well-provided for.'"
Mrs. Chichester protested vehemently:
"But we are NOT provided for."
"No," added Alaric. "Our bank's bust."
"We're ruined," sobbed Mrs. Chichester.
"Broke!" said Alaric.
"We've nothing!" wailed the old lady.
"Not thruppence," from the son.
"Dear, dear," said the lawyer. "How extremely painful."
"PAINFUL? That's not the word. Disgustin' I call it," corrected
Alaric.
Mr. Hawkes thought a moment. Then he said: "Under those
circumstances, perhaps a clause in the will may have a certain
interest and an element of relief."
As two drowning people clinging to the proverbial straws the mother
and son waited breathlessly for Mr. Hawkes to go on.
Ethel showed no interest whatever.
"When Mr. Kingsnorth realised that he had not very much longer to
live he spoke constantly of his other sister--Angela," resumed Mr.
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