What have you done with
John Mallathorpe's will?"
Collingwood, anxious for Nesta, was watching her closely, and now he saw
her turn a startled and inquiring look on her mother, who, in her turn,
dashed a surprised glance at Eldrick. But if Mrs. Mallathorpe was
surprised, she was also indignant, or she simulated indignation, and she
replied to the solicitor's question with a sharp retort.
"What do you mean?--John Mallathorpe's will!" she exclaimed. "What do I
know of John Mallathorpe's will? There never was----"
"Mrs. Mallathorpe!" interrupted Eldrick. "Don't! I'm speaking in your
interest, I tell you! There was a will! It was made on the morning of
John Mallathorpe's death. It was found by Mr. Collingwood's late
grandfather, Antony Bartle: when he died suddenly in my office, it fell
into Pratt's hands. That is the document which Pratt held over you--and
not an hour ago, Esther Mawson took it from Pratt, and she gave it to
you. Again I ask you--what have you done with it?"
Mrs. Mallathorpe hesitated a moment. Then she suddenly faced Eldrick
with a defiant look. "Let them--let everybody--do what they like!" she
exclaimed. "It's burnt! I threw it in that fire as soon as I got it! And
now----"
Nesta interrupted her mother.
"Does any one know the terms of that will?" she asked, looking at
Eldrick. "Tell me!--if you know.
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