Still I don't like the thought of any one knowing the secret, especially as the plan may take so long working out." "What I have been thinking, Mrs.Conway is this.

No doubt the servants at the Hall have taken sides on this matter.

Of course from our searches there they know that Mr.Penfold's will is missing, and that it is because it is missing that the Miss Penfolds are now mistresses there.

Without knowing anything myself about the feelings of the servants there, beyond what would probably be the case from the difference of character between Mr.Penfold and his sisters, I should imagine that they were fond of him, for he was the kindest and most easy-going of masters, and not very fond of his sisters, who are, as I have always observed in the course of my professional visits there, the reverse of agreeable.
"If this is the case, not improbably there may be one or other of these women with whom you might open direct negotiations.

What has struck me is this.