"I won't have it, mother! It's not fair on Corry. It's beastly unfair!"

Lady Coryston made no reply. She sat quietly staring into Arthur's face,
her hands, on which the rings sparkled, lightly clasped over the paper
which lay upon her knee. James's expression was one of distress. Marcia sat
dumfoundered.

James approached his mother.

"I think, mother, you will hardly maintain these provisions."

She turned toward him.

"Yes, James, I shall maintain them."

Meanwhile Arthur, deeply flushed, stood running his hand through his fair
hair as though in bewilderment.

"I sha'n't take it, mother! I give you full warning. Whenever it comes to
me I shall hand it back to Corry."

"It won't come to you, except as a life interest. The estates will be in
trust," said Lady Coryston.

Coryston gave a loud, sudden laugh, and stood looking at his mother from a
little distance.

"How long have you been concocting this, mother? I suppose my last speeches
have contributed?"