emed to be framing
an introduction for what he wished to say.

"I have several matters to talk over with you, Bob," he began at last
in a resolute tone. "Some of them are pleasant and some of them may
not, I fear, prove to be so. But we must take them as they come, and
pleasant or unpleasant, I want you to believe that I have no choice but
to place them before you. I have always felt for you a warm
friendship, my boy, and that friendship has in no way lessened.
Therefore if any word I speak causes you unhappiness, I want you to
remember that I only say it because I must. We are not always
permitted to readjust life according to our inclinations. Duty maps
out many of our paths and we must close our lips and travel them."

He stopped as if considering how to proceed.

"While in New York," he presently resumed, "I probated Madam Lee's
will. She was possessed of a large estate and knew very definitely
what she wanted done with it. The will was made several years ago, and
no document that I have ever seen was more specifically and
conscientiously drawn up. Although she left jewels and heirlooms to my
family, she left none of her other property to the Galbraiths,
explaining that her daughter had all she needed and that both Cynthia
and Roger had more already than was good for them." He smiled
humorously. "I guessed pretty accurately what she intended to do, as
some time ago we talked the matter over, and I heartily approved of her
proposed bequest."

He cleared his throat and in wondering silence Robert Morton waited.

"The property was left in bulk to an old friend whom Madam Lee had
known for years--some one entirely outside the family."

Bob did not speak.

"I would gladly see the Lee money administered as its owner desired to
have it," Mr. Galbraith went on. "Her ideas were wise, kind, and just,
and the fulfilment of her wishes would have brought to me--to us
all--the greatest happiness. But since that will was made a new
condition has arisen. Delight Hathaway, the child of her favorite
daughter, has appeared. Had the old lady lived, I feel certain that in
view of this fact she would have altered the document that this girl
might inherit at least a portion of the fortune in which her mother
never had any share. You knew Madam Lee very intimately, Bob--probably
better than any of the rest of us. What do you think?"

The reply came without hesitation.

"I am certain Madam Lee would have seen to it