I am not,
as you know, a very cordial friend of Mr. Manning's, but I have always
regarded the property as of right belonging to you--that is, since your
mother's death--and so accepted the commission.
"A few days since I went over the house and found that it was quite
dirty. Where the dirt could come from in an unoccupied house I can't
tell, but, at all events, I felt justified in engaging a woman to clean
the paint, so, if any of you should return unexpectedly, you would find
the house fit to receive you. This was a very simple matter, you will
think, and scarcely needs mentioning. But, my dear Frank, events of
importance often hinge on trifles, and so it has proved in the present
instance.
"On the evening of the second day I received a call from Mrs. Noonan,
whom I had employed to scrub the house. She had in her hand a folded
paper, which she gave to me.
"'Here is something I found, sir, while I was scrubbing,' she said.
"I opened it indifferently, but conceive of my amazement when I found it
to be your mother's will, properly signed, sealed and witnessed.
"Of course it was not the will which Mr. Manning presented for probate.
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