But in altering a will
during illness great care is necessary. A codicil might be added--"
"A new will would be necessary."
A new will, thought the attorney, could only be necessary for
altering the disposition of the whole estate. He knew enough of the
family circumstances to be aware that the property should go to
Reginald Morton whether with or without a will,--and also enough to
be aware that this old lady was Reginald's bitter enemy. He did not
think that he could bring himself to take instructions from a dying
man,--from the Squire of Bragton on his death-bed,--for an
instrument which should alienate the property from the proper heir.
He too had his strong feelings, perhaps his prejudices, about
Bragton. "I would wish that the task were in other hands, Mrs.
Morton."
"Why so?"
"It is hard to measure the capacity of an invalid."
"His mind is as clear as yours"
"It might be so,--and yet I might not be able to satisfy myself
that it was so. I should have to ask long and tedious questions,
which would be offensive. And I should find myself giving advice,--
which would not be called for. For instance, were your grandson to
wish to leave this estate away from the heir--"
"I am not discussing his wishes, Mr. Masters."
"I beg your pardon, Mrs. Morton, for making the suggestion;--but as
I said before, I should prefer that he should employ some one
else.
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