A brief silence followed, and the girl’s thoughts seemed to drift far from her gloomy surroundings to some lofty plane of peace beyond the ills of time.  Once more a spasm of coughing seized her; then she looked at the attorney.

“I learned in court that the destruction of Gen’l Darrington’s will would secure to my mother the possession of all his estate.  She has entered into Rest; into possession of her heritage in Christ’s kingdom.  Am I, her child, the lawful heir of Gen’l Darrington’s fortune?  Are there any legal quibbles that could affect my rights?”

“I am aware of none.  The estate is certainly yours, and the law will sustain your claims.”

“Claim?  I only claim the right to repair as far as possible a wrong for which I suffer, yet am not responsible.  I sent for a copy of the will because—­”

“May I tell you why?  Because in order to execute its provisions, it was essential that you should know them accurately.”

The assurance that he interpreted so correctly her motive, brought a quick throb to her tired Heart, and a faint flush of pleasure to her thin cheeks.

“Had you read as accurately my intentions, six months ago, when you woke me from my sleep under the pine trees, how different the current of many lives!  Mr. Dunbar, my ignorance of legal forms constrains me to accept your assistance in a matter which I am unwilling to delay—­” She hesitated, and he smiled bitterly.

“You need be at no trouble to emphasize your reluctance.  I quite understand your ineradicable repugnance.  Nevertheless good luck ordains that only I can serve you at present, so be pleased to command me.”

“Thank you.  I wish you to help me make my will.”

“Why?”

“How long do you suppose I can endure this ‘death in life?’ I am patient because I hope and believe my release is not far distant.  Galloping consumption is a short avenue to freedom.”

He caught his breath, and the blood ebbed from his lips, but he hurled aside the suggestion as though it were a coiled viper.

“Life has for you one charm which will successfully hold death at bay.  Love has sustained you thus far; it will lend wings to the years that must ultimately bring the recompense for which you long, the sight of him whose crime you expiate.”

He could not understand the peculiar smile that parted her lips, nor the far-away, preoccupied expression that crept into her sad eyes.

“Nevertheless I have decided to make my will.  I desire that in every detail it shall duplicate the provisions of the instrument I am punished for having stolen and destroyed; and I charge you to write it so carefully, that when all the legacies shall have been paid, the residue of the estate cannot fail to reach the hands of the son for whom it was intended.  To Mr. Prince Darrington I give and bequeath, mark you now, all my right and title to the fortune left by Gen’l Darrington.”