Tretherick, in fully resisting your demands.A few months after Mr.Tretherick's death, through the agency of a Chinaman in his employment, it was discovered that he had made a will, which was subsequently found among his papers.The insignificant value of his bequest--mostly land, then quite valueless--prevented his executors from carrying out his wishes, or from even proving the will, or making it otherwise publicly known, until within the last two or three years, when the property had enormously increased in value.The provisions of that bequest are simple, but unmistakable.
The property is divided between Carry and her stepmother, with the explicit condition that Mrs.Starbottle shall become her legal guardian, provide for her education, and in all details stand to her in loco parentis.""What is the value of this bequest?" asked Mr.Robinson."I cannot tell exactly, but not far from half a million, I should say,"returned Prince."Certainly, with this knowledge, as a friend of Miss Tretherick, I must say that her conduct is as judicious as it is honorable to her," responded Mr.Robinson."I shall not presume to question the wishes, or throw any obstacles in the way of carrying out the intentions, of my dead husband," added Mrs.
Tretherick; and the interview was closed.
When its result was made known to Mrs.Starbottle, she raised Jack's hand to her feverish lips."It cannot add to MY happiness now, Jack; but tell me, why did you keep it from her?" Jack smiled, but did not reply.