X
Mr. Barradine had not died intestate. This fact was made known at the
post office in a sudden and perturbing manner by a letter to Mavis
from Messrs. Cleaver, the Old Manninglea solicitors. Messrs. Cleaver
informed her that the London firm who were acting in the matter of Mr.
Barradine's will had instructed them to communicate with her, because
certain documents--such as attested copies of her birth certificate,
marriage certificate, and so on--would presently be required; and it
would be convenient to Messrs. Cleaver, if she could pay them a call
within the next two or three days.
Mavis gave the letter to Dale when they met at breakfast, and he read
it slowly and thoughtfully.
"What do you suppose it means, Will?"
"I suppose it means that you're one of the leg'tees."
"Yes." Mavis drew in her breath. "It came into my mind that it might
be that."
"I don't see what else it can be."
His face had become dull and expressionless, and he spoke in a heavy
tone.
"I may go over and see Mr. Cleaver, mayn't I?"
"Yes," he said. "But I must go with you."
"When can you get away? I don't think we ought to put it off."
"No. There mustn't be an hour's avoidable delay. I'll take you over
this afternoon.
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