 can't help thinking, Dora, what use he could have made of it. It has
always been his greatest wish to have a literary paper of his own - like The
Study, you know. He would have used the money in that way, I am sure.«
    »But, all the same, he ought to feel pleasure in your good fortune.«
    Marian turned to another subject.
    »Think of the Reardons; what a change all at once! What will they do, I
wonder? Surely they won't continue to live apart?«
    »We shall hear from Jasper.«
    Whilst they were discussing the affairs of that branch of the family Maud
returned. There was ill-humour on her handsome face, and she greeted Marian but
coldly. Throwing off her hat and gloves and mantle she listened to the repeated
story of John Yule's bequests.
    »But why ever has Mrs Reardon so much more than anyone else?« she asked.
    »We can only suppose it is because she was the favourite child of the
brother he liked best. Yet at her wedding he gave her nothing, and spoke
contemptuously of her for marrying a literary man.«
    »Fortunate for her poor husband that her uncle was able to forgive her. I
wonder what's the date of the will? Who knows but he may have rewarded her for
quarrelling with Mr Reardon.«
    This excited a laugh.
    »I don't know when the will was made,« said Marian. »And I don't know
whether uncle had even heard of the Reardons' misfortunes. I suppose he must
have done. My cousin John was at the funeral, but not my aunt. I think it most
likely father and John didn't speak a word to each other. Fortunately the
relatives were lost sight of in the great crowd of Wattleborough people; there
was an enormous procession, of course.«
    Maud kept glancing at her sister. The ill-humour had not altogether passed
from her face, but it was now blended with reflectiveness.
    A few moments more, and Marian had to hasten home. When she was gone the
sisters looked at each other.
    »Five thousand pounds,« murmured the elder. »I suppose that is considered
nothing.«
    »I suppose so. - He was here when Marian came, but didn't stay.«
    »Then you'll take him the news this evening?«
    »Yes,« replied Dora. Then, after musing, »He seemed annoyed that you were at
the Lanes' again
