* * * *

While this one-sided conversation was taking place, Henry Van Ostend was
standing on the terrace at Champ-au-Haut, discussing with Father Honore
and Octavius Buzzby the best method of investing the increasing revenues
of the large estate, vacant, except for its faithful factotum and the
care-takers, Ann and Hannah, during the seven years that have passed
since Mrs. Champney's death.

"Mr. Googe had undoubtedly a perfect right to dispute this will, Father
Honore," he was saying.

"But he would never have done it; I know such a thing could never have
occurred to him."

"That does not alter the facts of this rather peculiar case. Mr. Buzzby
knows that, up to this date, my daughter and I have never availed
ourselves of any rights in this estate; and he has managed it so wisely
alone, during these last seven years, that now he no longer wishes to be
responsible for the investment of its constantly increasing revenues. I
shall never consider this estate mine--will or no will." He spoke
emphatically. "Law is one thing, but a right attitude, where property is
concerned, towards one's neighbor is quite another."

He looked to right and left of the terrace, and included in his glance
many acres of the noble estate. Father Honore, watching him, suddenly
recalled that evening in the financier's own house when the Law was
quoted as "fundamental"--and he smiled to himself.

Mr. Van Ostend faced the two men.

"Do you think it would do any good for me to approach him on the subject
of setting apart that portion of the personal estate, and its increase
in the last seven years, which Mrs. Champney inherited from her father,
Mr. Googe's grandfather, for his children--that is if he won't take it
himself?"

"No."

The two men spoke as one; the negative was strongly emphatic.

"Mr. Van Ostend," Octavius Buzzby spoke with suppressed excitement, "if
I may make bold, who has lived here on this place and known its owners
for forty years, to give you a piece of advice, I'd like to give it."

"I want all I can get, Mr. Buzzby; it will help me to see my way in this
matter."

"Then I'm going to ask you to let bygones be bygones, and not say one
word to Mr. Googe about this property. He begun seven years ago in the
sheds and has worked his way up to foreman this last year, and if you
was to propose to him what you have to us, it would rake up the past,
sir--a past that's now in its grave, thank God! Champn