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after the funeral, which is to be to-morrow stocks, book debts, even the furniture in the afternoon. But I will urge her to place the living rooms over the shop?" "Everything that was the property of your matter in your hands, just as if you yourself had drawn the will; and unless she expressly aunt at the time of her death has now passed directs me to the contrary I will send the will absolutely to your cousin, for her own use, to you. In the meantime I am glad to hear and she has complete power over every that you think I acted rightly in drawing the thing." But suppose my aunt had made a settle will as I did." "Oh, you must not take it that I think so; ment, or deed of gift, some time before she it is a very awkward thing to take up the died, would the will over-ride that?" "No, not if the settlement or deed of gift business of another solicitor, and to draw the will of one who is a complete stranger to you, was complete in itself and irrevocable." and unable to speak her own mind. I hope "I think I understand you. In the absence it may not turn out that you have made a of any settlement everything passes to Emma mess of it altogether; it seems to me like it Simpson, who can at once take over the shop at present; and as to what Mrs. Emma Simp- and the business and everything." . son may be disposed to do, I beg you to re "Yes, madam, that is the legal position of member that I look upon her as my own Mrs. Emma Simpson, if there is no previous client, and you will, I am sure, recognize the deed of gift or settlement to the contrary. impropriety of your advising her one way or But your cousin has asked me to meet her the other. You refuse to hand the will over immediately after the funeral, and I have to me then, do you?" every hope that when I explain the effect of "For the present I certainly do, especially the will to her, and that there was no time to in face of your suggestion that I have made a discuss details with your aunt, that she will mess of it, which may mean anything or act reasonably towards your husband and nothing. Unless you have anything further yourself, and give you ample time to make to say I will bid you good morning," I said, your own arrangements; I may go so far as to promise beforehand that I will take upon feeling angry. I had not been back in my office an hour myself to advise her. outside her legal rights, before my clerk came into my room and an that it will be to her own best interests to do nounced that Mrs. Simpson wished to see so, for reasons which I need not mention me. "Mrs. Simpson, of High Street, I sup now." "Have you seen Mr. Maule, Mr. Borret? pose; show her in. Harry." A lady dressed in deep mourning and I hear that he is at his office to-day." "Yes, I'saw him this morning, Mrs. Simp wearing a veil over her face came in. "Mrs. Simpson, of High Street, I believe, son. I thought it my duty to call on him, and explain vhat I had done in his absence, and madam?" said I. he seemed very angry because your cousin The lady bowed, and sat down. "You are the solicitor who drew my aunt's will a few wished to see me after the funeral." "But did Mr. Maule make no mention of hours before her death, I think, Mr. Borret; any deed of gift or settlement, Mr. Borret?" I want you to tell me plainly all about it and what its effect is. May I read it over for "No; not a word, except that for some reason of his own he seemed strongly op myself?" "Certainly, madam, I have it here, and it is posed to my seeing your cousin or saying so short and simple that you will readily see anything to influence her in your favor." the effect of it. You will see that everything "Then you think if there was any such set is left absolutely to your cousin, Mrs. Emma tlement or deed of gift he would have told Simpson." you of it?" "Yes, I think so; I gave him my full con "Everything without exception? Shop,