It seemed to him that she took a long
time to remove her papers from the desk. Then he smiled to himself in
bitter amusement and impatience. Of course his sister-in-law was trying
to discover the secret of the double bottom. She would probably
persevere until she had gained the precious document of which he had
come in search. She would read it, and then--He broke off in his
reverie with an exclamation of impatience. What a fool he had been to
attempt to deal with this woman alone! He had, it was true, expected to
find Mrs. Ashe, but he should have sent a lawyer. What did he, a puppet
from the Clergy House, know of managing the affairs of life? He felt
that he had failed in his match with Mrs. Singleton; and he had almost
made up his mind to go in search of her, when he heard her returning.
She came in with her face flushed, her eyes shining, and an air of
triumph which struck dismay to the heart of Maurice.
"I am sorry to have kept you waiting so long," she said, "but I had to
light a fire in the parlor, I was so cold. However, I have something to
show you that will interest you."
"Is it the will?" he asked eagerly.
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