Page 294 - the-portrait-of-a-lady

‘Do you mean that she doesn’t know what to do with the
money?’
‘That, I think, she has hardly considered. She doesn’t
know what to think about the matter at all. It has been as
if a big gun were suddenly fired off behind her; she’s feel-
ing herself to see if she be hurt. It’s but three days since she
received a visit from the principal executor, who came in
person, very gallantly, to notify her. He told me afterwards
that when he had made his little speech she suddenly burst
into tears. The money’s to remain in the affairs of the bank,
and she’s to draw the interest.’
Madame Merle shook her head with a wise and now
quite benignant smile. ‘How very delicious! After she has
done that two or three times she’ll get used to it.’ Then af-
ter a silence, ‘What does your son think of it?’ she abruptly
asked.
‘He left England before the will was read—used up by
his fatigue and anxiety and hurrying off to the south. He’s
on his way to the Riviera and I’ve not yet heard from him.
But it’s not likely he’ll ever object to anything done by his
father.’
‘Didn’t you say his own share had been cut down?’
‘Only at his wish. I know that he urged his father to do
something for the people in America. He’s not in the least
addicted to looking after number one.’
‘It depends upon whom he regards as number one!’
said Madame Merle. And she remained thoughtful a mo-
ment, her eyes bent on the floor. ‘Am I not to see your happy
niece?’ she asked at last as she raised them.

294 The Portrait of a Lady