“Pardon me,” she sneered, “but if you do not receive a percentage for your trouble, you will be the first executor I ever heard of who did not.”

“I shall not accept a cent,” he retorted, with some slight indignation in his tones.

“We shall see; men can change their minds as well as women.  But surely I am associated with you in the guardianship of Evelyn?”

“According to her father’s will I am sole guardian,” said Lester.

“It is too much; I am the child’s natural guardian, and shall contest my rights if necessary,” returned Laura, defiantly; and with the last word she rose and left the room.

Elsie, entering the parlor a moment later, found her husband pacing to and fro with a very disturbed and anxious air.

“What is the matter?” she asked, and he answered with an account of his interview with Laura.

“How strange!” she exclaimed.  “Her love for her husband cannot have been very deep and strong, if she is so ready to oppose the carrying out of his dying wishes.  But do not let it trouble you, Lester; she is venting her anger in idle threats, and will never proceed to the length of contesting the will in a court of law.”

“I trust not,” he said sighing.  “Ah me! if my poor brother had but made a wiser choice.”

In the library, whither Mrs. Laura Leland bent her steps on her sudden exit from the parlor, Evelyn was sitting in her father’s vacant chair, her elbow resting on the table, her cheek in her hand, her eyes on the carpet at her feet, while her sad thoughts travelled back over many an hour spent there in the loved companionship of the dear departed.

She looked up inquiringly on her mother’s abrupt entrance, and noted with surprise the flush on her cheek and the angry light in her eyes.

“Ah, here you are!” said Laura.  “Pray, were you let into the secret of the arrangements made in my absence?”

“What arrangements, mamma?” asked the little girl wonderingly.

“In regard to your guardianship, and the care of the property left by your father.”

“No, mamma, I never knew or thought anything about those things.  Must I have a guardian?  Why should I be under the control of anyone but you?”

“Yes, why indeed?  I would not have believed it of your father! but he has actually left you to the sole guardianship of your Uncle Lester.  You may well look astonished,” she added, noting the expression of Evelyn’s face.  “I feel that I am robbed of my natural right in my child.”

“You need not, mamma; I shall obey you just the same of course, for nothing can release me from the obligation to keep the fifth commandment.  So do not, I beg of you, blame papa.”

With what a quiver of pain the young voice pronounced that loved name!

“No; I blame your uncle; for no doubt he used undue influence with Eric while his mind was enfeebled by illness.  And I blame myself also for leaving my husband to that influence; but I little thought he was so ill—­so near his end; nor did I suspect his brother of being so designing a man.”