[The Second Generation by David Graham Phillips]@TWC D-Link book
The Second Generation

CHAPTER X
4/15

I feel they will be better off without the wealth which would tempt my son to relax his efforts to make a useful man of himself and would cause my daughter to be sought for her fortune instead of for herself." At the words "without the wealth," Arthur shifted sharply in his chair, and both he and Adelaide looked at Judge Torrey in puzzled wonder.

The judge read on, read the names of signer and witnesses, then laid the will down and stared gloomily at it.

Mrs.Ranger said: "And now, judge, can you tell us in plain words just what it means ?" With many a pause and stammer the old lawyer made it clear: the house and its contents and appurtenances, and seven thousand a year to the widow for life; two thousand a year to Adelaide; five thousand in cash to Arthur and the chance to earn the mill and factory; the rest, practically the whole estate, to Tecumseh University.
"Any further questions ?" he asked, breaking the silence that followed his explanation.
No one spoke.
Still without looking at anyone, he put away his glasses?
"Then I guess I'll be going.

It won't be necessary to do anything further for a day or two." And, with face like that of criminal slinking from scene of crime, he got himself to the door by a series of embarrassed bows and shuffling steps.

Outside, he wiped the streaming sweat from his forehead.


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