u will find by
reading this letter, you are not so completely free to exercise your own
discretion. You will find that while he gives to you the undisputed right
to bequeath this fortune as you may see fit at the expiration of your term
as trustee--in short, at your death,--he suggests that,--being an honourable
and conscientious man to his certain knowledge,--you will create a so-
called foundation for the perpetuation of your ideas--and his, I may add.
This foundation is to grow out of and to be the real development of the
trust over which you now have absolute control. But all this, my friend,
we may discuss later on. The real significance of Mr. Thorpe's will is to
be found in the faith he reposes in you. He puts you on your honour. He
entrusts this no inconsiderable fortune to your care. It rests entirely
with you as to the manner in which it shall be used. If you elect to
squander it, there is no one to say nay to you. It is expressly stated
here that the trust comprehends the spread of the doctrines you advocate,
but it does not pretend to guide or direct you in the handling of the
funds. Mr. Thorpe trusts you to be governed by the dictates of your own
honour. I have no hesitancy in saying that I protested against this
extraordinary way of creating a trust, declaring to him that I thought he
was doing wrong in placing you in such a position,--that is to say, it was
wrong of him to put temptation in your way. He was confident, however. In
fact, he was entirely satisfied with the arrangement. I will admit that at
the time I had a queer impression that he was chuckling to himself, but of
course I was wrong. It was merely the quick and difficult breathing of one
in dire pain. The situation is quite plain, ladies and gentlemen. The will
is sound. Mr. Dodge has observed,--somewhat hastily I submit,--that he
believes it will not have to be smashed. He says that the money has been
left to Dr. Thorpe, and that the trust is a rigmarole, or something of the
sort. Mr. Dodge is right, after a fashion. If Dr. Thorpe chooses to
violate his grandfather's staunch belief in his integrity, if he elects to
disregard the suggestions set down in this letter--which, you must
understand, is in no sense a legal supplement to the will,--he may justify
Mr. Dodge's contention that the fortune is his to do with as he pleases."
He turned to Anne. "I beg to inform you, Mrs. Thorpe, that your duties as
executrix will not prove onerous. Your late h