Scawthorne received with gravity what his acquaintance had to communicate.

Then he observed: 'The will was executed ten days ago.' 'It was?
And what's he left me ?' 'Seven thousand pounds--less legacy duty.' 'And thirty thousand to Jane ?' 'Just so.' Joseph drew in his breath; his teeth ground together for a moment; his eyes grew very wide.

With a smile Scawthorne proceeded to explain that Jane's trustees were Mr.Percival, senior, and his son.

Should she die unmarried before attaining her twenty-first birthday, the money bequeathed to her was to be distributed among certain charities.
'It's my belief there's a crank in the old fellow,' exclaimed Joseph.
'Is he really such a fool as to think Jane won't use the money for herself?
And what about Kirkwood?
I tell you what it is; he's a deep fellow, is Kirkwood.

I wish you knew him.' Scawthorne confessed that he had the same wish, but added that there was no chance of its being realised; prudence forbade any move in that direction.
'If he marries her,' questioned Joseph, 'will the money be his ?' 'No; it will be settled on her.