Thirdly, I feel now that I myself am
somewhat to blame in the matter, in that I did not represent to Mr.
Penfold the imprudence of his placing valuable papers in a place
where, should anything happen to him suddenly, they might not be
found. Of course I could not have anticipated this hostile action on
the part of the Miss Penfolds. Still, I blame myself that I did not
warn Mr. Penfold of the possibility of what has in fact happened
taking place. Lastly," and he smiled, "I have a personal feeling in
the matter. I have lost a business that added somewhat considerably to
my income."
"I don't think any of us have thought of blaming you in the matter,
Mr. Tallboys. I am sure that I have not. You could not possibly have
foreseen that Mr. Penfold's sisters were likely to turn out thieves."
"Well, that is rather a strong expression, Mrs. Conway; though natural
enough I must admit in your position as Mr. Ralph Conway's mother. You
see, there is a difference between concealing and not disclosing. Mr.
Penfold himself concealed the will. The Miss Penfolds simply refuse to
assist us in our search for it."
"And as the nearest heirs take possession of the property."
"Quite so, Mrs. Conway. I am not defending their conduct, which
morally is dishonest in the extreme, but I doubt whether any court of
law would find it to be a punishable offense.
Pages:
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210