MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. [Removing her hands in time to see the brandy.] Why,
Henry!  What are you doing?  Are your feet wet?

REV.  MR. BATHOLOMMEY.  No, Rose; they’re not.  I want a drink and I’m going to take it.  It’s a bad night. [Drinks.

COLONEL LAWTON. [Throws a hickory log on the fire, which presently blazes up, making the room much lighter.] Go ahead, Frederik. [Sits.

REV.  MR. BATHOLOMMEY has drawn up a chair for his wife, and now seats himself before the snapping hickory fire.

REV.  MR. BATHOLOMMEY.  I knew that your uncle would remember his friends and his charities.  He was so liberal!  One might say of him that he was the very soul of generosity.  He gave in such a free-handed, princely fashion.

FREDERIK. [Reading in a businesslike manner.] For Mrs. Batholommey—­

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY.  The dear man—­to think that he remembered me!  I knew he’d remember the church and Mr. Batholommey, of course; but to think that he’d remember me!  He knew that my income was very limited.  He was so thoughtful!  His purse was always open.

FREDERIK. [Eyes MRS. BATHOLOMMEY for a second, then continues.] For Mr. Batholommey—­[REV.  MR. BATHOLOMMEY nods solemnly.] and the Colonel.

COLONEL LAWTON. [Taking out a cigar.] He knew that I did the best I could for him ... [His voice breaks.] the grand old man. [Recovering.] What’d he leave me?  Mrs. B.—­er? [Nods inquiringly at MRS. BATHOLOMMEY, who bows assent, and he lights his cigar.

FREDERIK. [Glancing at the paper.] Mrs. Batholommey, he wished you to have his miniature—­with his affectionate regards.

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY.  Dear old gentleman—­and er—­yes?

FREDERIK.  To Mr. Batholommey—­

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY.  But—­er—­you didn’t finish with me.

FREDERIK.  You’re finished.

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY.  I’m finished?

FREDERIK.  You may read it yourself if you like.

REV.  MR. BATHOLOMMEY.  No, no, no.  She’ll take your word for it. [Firmly.] Rose!

FREDERIK. [Reads.] “To Mr. Batholommey, my antique watch fob—­with my profound respects.” [Continues.] To Colonel Lawton—­

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY.  His watch fob?  Is that what he left to Henry?  Is that all? [As FREDERIK nods.] Well!  If he had no wish to make your life easier, Henry, he should at least have left something for the church.  Oh!  Won’t the congregation have a crow to pick with you!

FREDERIK. [Reading.] “To my life-long friend, Colonel Lawton, I leave my most cherished possession.” [COLONEL LAWTON has a look on his face as though he were saying, “Ah!  I’ll get something worth while."

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. [Angrily.] When the church members hear that—­