The Argosy — page 347: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

326 THE LOVELY WIDOW. HE funeral was over. Very childish-looking was the figure of the widow, whose golden hair resisted the stern efforts made that day to brush its soft rings into straight and severe lines. The baby sweetness of her large blue eyes was veiled by drooping lids and dark, curling lashes, as she sat silent and quiet in the dining-room of a well-furnished house, and listened while the sharp, business-like voice of the lawyer announced that all the property the deceased Edward Grant died possessed of was left for the sole and undisputed use of ‘his dear wife Florence Adelaide.” Opposite the window sat the bolt upright figure of the dead man’s mother, a strong-minded woman anyone could see, and as capable a manager of business as most men. She was turned seventy, but might pass for fifty-five anywhere. She steadily regarded the lawyer while he read, and when he had finished adjusted her spectacles more firmly, and looked at her daughter-in-law ; the latter simply thanked the lawyer for his explanations, begged him to partake of refreshment, and then in subdued quietness left the room, two servants following her respectfully. Alone with the old lady, the lawyer helped himself to a large glass of port and a biscuit, and between the sips and munches deplored in short, brisk sentences the sudden demise of his excellent client, and the uncertainty of human life generally. “Did you make that will, Mr. Phipps?” asked old Mrs. Grant, abruptly. ‘“T did, madam ; indeed, I may say that I have transacted all legal business for your lamented son for five-and-twenty years.” ‘“T] know that. Edward wasn’t a man to change, and a more sen- sible man than he was until he was five-and-forty never lived.” “Five and forty? Let me see; he was that some ten months ago.” “He was; and then he fell in love with the doll face of a gover- ness, and made a fool of himself,” snapped the old lady, taking off her spectacles and rubbing them vigorously. ‘Well, well, madam,” said the lawyer, shaking his head with an indulgent smile as he poured out another glass of wine, ‘ we all have our weak moments ; and, by jove! Mrs. Edward would excuse a good deal of folly—tlovely creature !” ‘Bah! youre all alike!” cried Mrs. Grant, viciously. ‘‘ Now tell me, can that girl make ducks and drakes of all my poor son’s property if she chooses ?” The lawyer shrugged his shoulders. Eomichbooks.co ee ———— —— -