While Lady Ushant was in the sick man's room, Mrs. Morton was
closeted with the attorney. She had thought much of this step
before she had dared to take it and even now doubted whether it
would avail her anything. As she entered the book-room in which Mr.
Masters was seated she almost repented. But the man was there and
she was compelled to go on with her scheme. "Mr. Masters," she
said, "it is I think a long time since you have been employed by
this family."
"A very long time, Madam."
"And I have now sent for you under circumstances of great
difficulty," she answered; but as he said nothing she was forced to
go on. "My grandson made his will the other day up in London, when
he thought that he was going out to Patagonia." Mr. Masters bowed.
"It was done when he was in sound health, and he is now not
satisfied with it" Then there was another bow, but not a word was
spoken. "Of course you know that he is very ill."
"We have all been very much grieved to hear it"
"I am sure you would be, for the sake of old days. When Dr. Fanning
was last here he thought that my grandson was something better. He
held out stronger hopes than before. But still he is very ill. His
mind has never wavered for a moment, Mr. Masters." Again Mr.
Masters bowed. "And now he thinks that some changes should be
made;--indeed that there should be a new will.
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