Masters told me once that when the war left them high and dry he
agreed to waive his share in the estate provided his brother would
take care of his mother and the old place. The estate comes to him
now, but in trust. At his death, without legal heir, it goes to a
cousin."
"Oh, take me home, please. I can't stand those wailing women any
longer."
XXXVIII
A month later there was a tap on Madeleine's door. She rose earlier
these days and opened it at once, assuming that it was a message from
Holt. But Mr. McLane stood there.
"How are you, Madeleine? May I come in?" He shook her half-extended
hand as if he were paying her an afternoon call at the Occidental
Hotel, and sat down on the horsehair sofa with a genial smile;
placing his high silk hat and gold-headed cane beside him.
"Glad to see you looking so well. I've wanted to call for a long
time, but as you dropped us all like so many hot potatoes, I
hesitated, and was delighted today when Howard gave me an excuse."
"Howard?"
"Yes, he wants you to go back to him."
"That I'll never do."
"Don't be hasty. He is willing to forget everything--he asked me to
make you understand that he would never mention the subject. He will
also put your share of your father's estate unreservedly in your
hands as soon as the usual legal delays are over.
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