What would he say now, Jane, if he knew
I stood good to have five thousand--if I can manage to outlive you?"
She turned from him with an expression of scorn.
"In addition to these bequests," said she, "I have left five thousand
to the boy and twenty thousand to Mr. Watson. The remainder of the
property will go to Patricia."
For a moment the room was intensely still. Then Patricia said, with
quiet determination:
"You may as well make another will, Aunt. I'll not touch a penny of
your money."
"Why not?" asked the woman, almost fiercely.
"You have been kind to me, and you mean well," said Patricia. "I would
rather not tell you my reasons."
"I demand to know them!"
"Ah, aunt; can't you understand, without my speaking?"
"No," said the other; but a flush crossed her pale cheek,
nevertheless.
Patsy arose and stumped to a position directly in front of Jane
Merrick, where she rested on her crutches. Her eyes were bright and
full of indignation, and her plain little face was so white that every
freckle showed distinctly.
"There was a time, years ago," she began in a low voice, "when you
were very rich and your sister Violet, my mother, was very poor.
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