Part 20 (2/2)
”Perhaps; but it would have had to be a singular sort of a fit.
You say you are sure they were in their usual position when you left him?”
”Why do you ask me that again? Why do you look at me like that, and speak in such a tone? Are you suggesting that I have had a hand in his death?”
”I am suggesting nothing.”
”It seems to me that you are suggesting a good deal, which you dare not say right out. At least your manner is peculiar--but that it generally is. If you have anything to say, say it--like a man!--at once! Don't hint it, like a sneak. I hate your underhanded ways.”
”I found this under his pillow--his one remaining pillow.”
”It's his will. He made it this morning.”
”So I am told by the two servants. I perceive it is in your writing. Did he dictate to you this doc.u.ment?”
”He did. I wrote it from his dictation, word for word as he told me. I wrote it yesterday afternoon. He read it through, and kept it under his pillow all night. He signed it this morning.”
”It seems odd that, after completing such a will as this, he should have immediately died--in such a manner. If he could come to life again I wonder what he'd say.”
”Give me that will, if you please, Dr. Twelves.”
”Hadn't I better hand it to his lawyer for safe keeping?”
”His lawyer? His lawyer is now my lawyer; I will give all necessary instructions. The will will be in safe keeping with me. Give it me at once.” He gave it her. ”What have you in your other hand? Some more property of mine?”
”It is the miniature of the woman he loved best in the world.
Don't you think it might go with him, in his coffin, to the grave?”
”Give it me. I will give all necessary instructions, as I have already told you. Your interference is not desired, nor will it be tolerated. To be quite frank with you, Dr. Twelves--it is always my desire to be frank and open--I have endured too much from you already; I will endure nothing more. The less I see, or hear, of you in the future the better I shall be pleased, since you are, in all respects, the most objectionable person I ever met. Don't you venture to intrude yourself again; if medical attendance is required it will be obtained elsewhere. I am now the mistress of this house--since there is no master, its mistress in the most literal sense. Everything is mine--everything. Be so good as to bear that in mind.”
He looked at her, and smiled.
”I am not likely to forget that--ever.”
She did not know which she liked least--his tone, his look, or his smile.
BOOK II
THE WIDOW
CHAPTER XV
”THE GORDIAN KNOT”
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