eph was very methodical in his habits, and, besides, I doubt if he
would really have changed his will. I think he merely threatened it, to
see if Florence persisted in keeping her engagement."

This was a generous speech on the part of Philip Crawford. To be sure,
generosity of speech couldn't affect the disposal of the estate. If no
will were found, it must by law go to the brother, but none the less the
hearty, whole-souled way in which he spoke of Miss Lloyd was greatly to
his credit as a man.

"I think so, too," agreed Mr. Porter. "As you know, I called on Mr.
Joseph Crawford during the--the last evening of his life."

The speaker paused, and indeed it must have been a sad remembrance that
pictured itself to his mind.

"Did he then refer to the matter of the will?" asked Mr. Randolph, in
gentle tones.

"He did. Little was said on the subject, but he told me that unless
Florence consented to his wishes in the matter of her engagement to Mr.
Hall, he would make a new will, leaving her only a small bequest."

"In what manner did you respond, Mr. Porter?"

"I didn't presume to advise him definitely, but I urged him not to be
too hard on the girl, and, at any rate, not to make a new will until he
had thought it over more deliberately."

"What did he then say?"

"Nothing of any definite import. He began talking of other matters, and
the will was not again referred to. But I can't help thinking he had not
destroyed it."

At this, Miss Lloyd seemed about to speak, but, glancing at Gregory
Hall, she gave a little sigh, and remained silent.

"You know of nothing that can throw any light on the matter of the will,
Mr. Hall?" asked Mr. Randolph.

"No, sir. Of course this whole situation is very embarrassing for me.
I can only say that I have known for a long time the terms of Mr.
Crawford's existing will; I have known of his threats of changing it;
I have known of his attitude toward my engagement to his niece. But
I never spoke to him on any of these subjects, nor he to me, though
several times I have thought he was on the point of doing so. I have had
access to most of his private papers, but of two or three small boxes he
always retained the keys. I had no curiosity concerning the contents
of these boxes, but I naturally assumed his will was in one of them. I
have, however, opened these boxes since Mr. Crawford's death, in company
with Mr. Randolph, and we found no will. Nor could we discover any in
the New Yo