"
Laura did not speak for a moment, but her eyes flashed and her cheek
paled with anger. "Ah, I might have known it," she hissed at length; "had
I not been the most innocent and unsuspicious of women I should have
known better than to leave him for weeks to the wiles of designing
relatives; when, too, his mind was weakened by disease."
"His mind was perfectly clear and strong from first to last, Laura,"
returned Lester mildly, "and you greatly mistake in supposing I had
anything to gain by agreeing to his wishes or that I was at all covetous
of either office."
"Pardon me," she sneered, "but if you do not receive a percentage for
your trouble, you will be the first executor I ever heard of who did
not."
"I shall not accept a cent," he retorted, with some slight indignation in
his tones.
"We shall see; men can change their minds as well as women. But surely I
am associated with you in the guardianship of Evelyn?"
"According to her father's will I am sole guardian," said Lester.
"It is too much; I am the child's natural guardian, and shall contest my
rights if necessary," returned Laura, defiantly; and with the last word
she rose and left the room.
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