Our term of guardianship is over."
"How's that?"
"She absolutely refuses to stay here any longer. My duties in regard
to her, outside of the annual payment provided by her late uncle,
end to-day," replied the lawyer.
"I think not, Hawkes."
"I beg your pardon? "
"As the Chief Executor of the late Mr. Kingsnorth's will, _I_ must
be satisfied that its conditions are complied with in the SPIRIT as
well as to the LETTER," said Jerry, authoritatively.
"Exactly," was the solicitor's reply. "And--?"
"Mr. Kingsnorth expressly stipulated that a year was to elapse
before any definite conclusion was arrived at. So far only a month
has passed."
"But she insists on returning to her father!" protested Mr. Hawkes.
"Have you told her the conditions of the will?"
"Certainly not. Mr. Kingsnorth distinctly stated she was not to know
them."
"Except under exceptional circumstances. I consider the
circumstances most exceptional."
"I am afraid I cannot agree with you, Sir Gerald."
"That is a pity. But it doesn't alter my intention."
"And may I ask what that intention is?"
"To carry out the spirit of Mr. Kingsnorth's bequest."
"And what do you consider the spirit?"
"I think we will best carry out Mr. Kingsnorth's last wishes by
making known the conditions of his bequest to Miss O'Connell and
then let her decide whether she wishes to abide by them or not.
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