“Is this possible?” exclaimed Katherine, dropping her duster in dismay.  “I thought that the property would be divided between the boys and myself.”

“Why, that is only common-sense!  If you do get everything you will be well rewarded for your three months’ penal servitude.  You knew what you were about, though you do despise rank and riches.”

“But, Ada, I suppose my uncle would have destroyed his will whether I had been there or not.”

“No.  Mr. Newton’s idea is that he intended to make a new will, probably leaving you a large sum, and so destroyed the old one.  Mr. Newton thinks he grew to like you.  Oh! you played your cards well!  But it is too hard to think you cut out my dar-arling boys,” she ended, with a sob.

Katherine grew very white; this outburst of fury roused her conscience.  She pulled herself together in an instant of quick thought, however.  “This is folly.  What I have done will benefit the boys more than myself,” she reflected.

“I do not wonder at your being vexed, Ada,” she said, gently.  “But fortunately one is not compelled to act according to law.  If the whole of the fortune, whatever it may be, becomes mine, do you think I would keep it all to myself?”

“I am sure I don’t know” said Mrs. Frederic, who had now subsided into the sulks.  “When people get hold of money they seldom like to part with it; and I know you do not like me?”

“Why should you think so, Ada?  We may not agree in our tastes, but that is no reason for dislike; and you know how glad I am to be of use to you, both for your own sake and poor Fred’s.”

“Well, I would rather not be dependent on you or any one.  But there!  I do not believe what that stupid old man says—­I do not believe such a horrible law exists.  I shall write and consult Colonel Ormonde, and find out if I could not dispute the will—­no, not the will—­the property.  I should not like to give up my rights.”

“Please, Ada, do not speak so loudly.  My mother had just fallen asleep before you came in; and she had such a bad night!”

“Loud?  I am not talking loudly.  You mean to insinuate I am in a passion?  I am nothing of the kind.  I am perfectly cool, but determined—­determined to have justice, and my fair share of this man’s wealth!”

“It may not be wealth; it may be only competence, and it is not ours to share yet.”

“Not yours, you mean; that is what you thought, Katherine.  And as to wealth, I believe that cruel old miser was enormously rich!  Where are the boys?”

“Out walking with Lottie.  I am so glad they were not in to hear all this!  Do not talk to them of being rich, dear Ada; it puts unhealthy ideas into their minds, and—­”

“Upon my word!  I like to hear you, a mere girl, not quite nineteen yet, advising me, a mother, a married woman, about my own children.  You need not presume on your expected riches. I’ll never play the part of a poor relation, and submit to be lectured by you.”