"Don't see what good we can do," demurred Gladman.

"Well, you three are his only relatives; it's only decent you
should be present," urged Clodd. "Besides, there's the will to be
read. You may care to hear it."

The dry old law stationer opened wide his watery eyes.

"His will! Why, what had he got to leave? There was nothing but
the annuity."

"You turn up at the funeral," Clodd told him, "and you'll learn all
about it. Bonner's clerk will be there and will bring it with him.
Everything is going to be done comme il faut, as the French say."

"I ought to have known of this," began Mr. Gladman.

"Glad to find you taking so much interest in the old chap," said
Clodd. "Pity he's dead and can't thank you."

"I warn you," shouted old Gladman, whose voice was rising to a
scream, "he was a helpless imbecile, incapable of acting for
himself! If any undue influence--"

"See you on Friday," broke in Clodd, who was busy.

Friday's ceremony was not a sociable affair. Mrs. Gladman spoke
occasionally in a shrill whisper to Mr. Gladman, who replied with
grunts. Both employed the remainder of their time in scowling at