ill obtain possession of the property?
But that which he wanted was the command of the property at
once,--the power of raising money upon it instantly. The will had
been so framed as to make that impossible in any way. Kate's share in
it had not been left to her unconditionally, but was to be received
even by her through the hands of her uncle John. Such a will shut him
out from all his hopes. "It is a piece of d---- roguery," he said.

"What do you mean by that, sir?" said Gogram, turning round towards
him.

"I mean exactly what I say. It is a piece of d---- roguery. Who was
in the room when that thing was written?"

"The signature was witnessed by--"

"I don't ask as to the signature. Who was in the room when the thing
was written?"

"I was here with your grandfather."

"And no one else?"

"No one else. The presence of any one else at such a time would be
very unusual."

"Then I regard the document simply as waste paper." After saying
this, George Vavasor left the room, and slammed the door after him.

"I never was insulted in such a way before," said the attorney,
almost with tears in his eyes.

"He is a disappointed and I fear a ruined man," said John Vavasor.
"I do not think you need regard what he says."

"But he should not on that account insult me. I have only done my
duty. I did not even advise his grandfather. It is mean on his part
and unmanly. If he comes in my way again I shall tell him so."

"He probably will not put himself in your way again, Mr Gogram."

Then the attorney went, having suggested to Mr Vavasor that he should
instruct his attorney in London to take steps in reference to the
proving of the will. "It's as good a will as ever was made," said
Mr Gogram. "If he can set that aside, I'll give up making wills
altogether."

Who was to tell Kate? That was John Vavasor's first thought when
he was left alone at the hall-door, after seeing the lawyer start
away. And how was he to get himself back to London without further
quarrelling with his nephew? And what was he to do at once with
reference to the immediate duties of proprietorship which were
entailed upon him as executor? It was by no means improbable, as he
thought, that George might assume to himself the position of master
of the house; that he might demand the keys, for instance, which
no doubt were in Kate's hands at present, and that he would take
possession with violence. What should he do under such circumstances?
It was