"No, I haven't," said Peg decidedly.

"Think again. Had he not expressed to you--you understand that this is
confidential between us, although I protest, my dear young lady, that
I see no reason why it should not be made public--had he not given
utterance to sentiments of a nature consistent with some future
matrimonial relations?" But here Miss Peg's large mouth, which had been
slowly relaxing over her irregular teeth, stopped him.

"If you mean he wanted to marry me--No!"

"I see. But were there any conditions--of course you know the law takes
no cognizance of any not expressed in the will; but still, for the sake
of mere corroboration of the bequest--do you know of any conditions on
which he gave you the property?"

"You mean did he want anything in return?"

"Exactly, my dear young lady."

Peg's face on one side turned a deep magenta color, on the other a
lighter cherry, while her nose was purple, and her forehead an Indian
red. To add to the effect of this awkward and discomposing dramatic
exhibition of embarrassment, she began to wipe her hands on her dress,
and sat silent.

"I understand," said the lawyer hastily. "No matter--the conditions WERE
fulfilled."

"No!" said Peg amazedly. "How could they be until he was dead?"