of the property of which I may die possessed I
leave to my beloved husband, James Manning, whose devoted affection has
made happy the last years of my life. Having implicit confidence in his
good judgment and kindness of heart, I request him to make proper
provision for my dear son Frank, whose happiness I earnestly desire. I
hope that he will consent to be guided by the wisdom and experience of
his stepfather, who, I am sure, will study his interests and counsel him
wisely. In my sorrow at parting with my dear son, it is an unspeakable
comfort to me to feel that he will have such a guardian and protector."

Frank listened with amazement, which was shared by all present.

Practically, he was disinherited, and left wholly dependent upon his
stepfather.

CHAPTER V

DISINHERITED

The contents of the will created general astonishment. There was not one
in the room who didn't know the devotion of Mrs. Manning to her son
Frank, yet, while speaking of him affectionately, she had treated him,
as they considered, most cruelly. Why should she have left such a
dangerous power in her husband's hands?

And how was Mr. Manning affected?

He summoned to his face an expression of bewilderment and surprise,
and, feeling that all eyes were fixed upon, him, he turned toward the
lawyer.

"Mr. Ferret," he said, "I need hardly say that this will surprises me
very much, as I see that it does the friends who are present. Are you
sure that there is no codicil?"

"I have been unable to discover any, Mr. Manning," said the lawyer,
gravely, as he scanned the face of the widower keenly.

Mr. Manning applied his handkerchief to his eyes, and seemed overcome by
emotion.

"I knew my dear wife's confidence in me," he said, in a tremulous voice,
"but I was not prepared for such a striking manifestation of it."

"Nor I," said Mr. Ferret, dryly.

"Knowing her strong attachment to Frank," paused Mr. Manning, "I feel
the full extent and significance of that confidence when she leaves him
so unreservedly to my care and guidance. I hope that I may be found
worthy of the trust."

"I hope so, sir," said Mr. Ferret, who, sharp lawyer as he was, doubted
whether all was right, and was willing that Mr. Manning should be made
aware of his feeling. "It is certainly a remarkable proviso, considering
the affection which your wife entertained for her son."

"Precisely, Mr. Ferret. It shows how much confidence the dear departed
felt in me."