human
Nothing.
gpt
Nothing! Here Uncle Sandy sprang to his feet.
human
Mr. Harman left my Daisy nothing--nothing whatever! Then he did die bankrupt?
gpt
No, Uncle Sandy, he died rich.
human
And her name was not mentioned in the will?
gpt
No.
human
Ah! there was a will. Have you seen it?
gpt
No; why should I? It all happened long, long ago.
human
And your mother never saw the will?
gpt
I don't think she did.
human
Then to whom, may I ask, did he leave all his wealth?
gpt
You forget, Uncle Sandy, that my father was married before. He had two sons by his first marriage. These sons came in for his fortune. They were--they said they were, sorry for my mother, and they settled on her one hundred and fifty pounds a year for her life.
human
Ay, I suppose you have got that pittance now?
gpt
No, it was only for my mother. When she died six years ago it ceased.
human
Nothing left to Daisy. Daisy's name not mentioned in the will. Brothers sorry--pretend to be. Give my Daisy a pittance for her life--nothing to the child. Charlotte, he suddenly stopped in front of his niece,
gpt
Perhaps I am, Uncle Sandy. But I never recognized the fact before.
human
You believe that story about the will?
gpt
I tell you the tale as my own mother told it to me.
human
Ay, Daisy was always too credulous, a foolish little thing, if you like. But you--you are of different metal. You believe that story?
gpt
I--I--Don't ask me, Uncle Sandy.
human
You do not believe it?
gpt
If you will have it so, I do not believe it.
human
Ay, my lass, shake hands on that. You are not a fool. Oh! it was full time Sandy Wilson came home. Sandy can see to your rights, late as it is in the day.
gpt
Charlotte, he repeated,
human
Thank you, Uncle Sandy. Then she added,
gpt
You can do nothing. I mean you can take no legal steps without my knowledge and sanction.
human
Well, it is not likely you will withhold your sanction from getting back what is your own. Charlotte, where are these half-brothers of yours? Why, they were a good bit older than Daisy. They must be old men now. Where are they, Charlotte? Are they alive?
gpt
They are alive. I will tell you about them to-morrow. I want to think to-night.
human
And so do I want to think. I will run away now, my dear niece. I am staggered by this tale, perfectly staggered. I will look in to-morrow evening, and you shall tell me more. Ay, I guess they never reckoned that Sandy Wilson would turn up. They thought with the rest of you that old Sandy--sharp old Sandy was safe in his grave, and they said to themselves that dead men tell no tales. If I remember aright, your father told me I should be one of the trustees to my sister. He _did_ mention it; though, just like me, I never thought of it until this minute. Is it likely that he would speak of trustees if he meant to cut off that poor darling with a shilling? Oh! it's preposterous, preposterous. But I'll sleep over it. We'll think how best to expose the villains!
gpt
Uncle Sandy, you will promise me one thing: you will do nothing until you see me again?
human
Well, child, I can scarcely do much. I don't want to be long away from you, niece Charlotte. I'll look in to-morrow, about six o'clock. See that little Daisy is up, and introduce me to your husband. Oh! it was plain to be seen that Sandy Wilson was wanting in this country. Bless my old heart, what a Providence is over everything! Oh, the scoundrels! But Sandy will expose them. My Daisy cut off with a shilling!
gpt
SOMETHING BETTER FOR THE CHILDREN THAN MONEY.