Vera, the Medium by Richard Harding Davis
page 24 of 144 (16%)
page 24 of 144 (16%)
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Winthrop," he demanded, "that I have made a will in your favor?
That, were I to die tonight, you would inherit ten millions of dollars? Is that the injustice of which you complain?" Judge Gaylor gave an exclamation of pleasure. "Good!" he applauded. "Excellent!" Hallowell turned indignantly to Winthrop. "And did she tell you also," he demanded, "that for three years I have urged her to make a home in this house? That I have offered her an income as large as I would give my own daughter, and that she has refused both offers. And what's more" -- in his excitement his voice rose hysterically -- "by working publicly for her living she has made me appear mean and uncharitable, and -- " "That's just it," interrupted Miss Coates. "It isn't a question of charity." "Will you allow me?" said Winthrop soothingly. "Your niece contends, sir," he explained, "that this money you offered her is not yours to offer. She claims it belongs to her. That it's what should have been her father's share of the profits on the Coates-Hallowell coupling pin. But, as you have willed your niece so much money, although half of it is hers already, I advised her not to fight. Going to law is an expensive business. But she has found out -- and that's what brings me uptown this morning -- that you intend to make a new will, and leave all her money and your own to establish the Hallowell Institute. Now," Winthrop continued, with a propitiating smile, "Miss Coates also |
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