"
I bowed, and she continued:
"I have a second letter from Mr. Wallingford. He has, he writes,
been well received by my relatives, who had placed in his hands, for
examination, a large quantity of papers that belonged to Colonel
Willoughby."
"If they contain any evidence in the right direction, he will be
sure to find it," said I.
"No doubt of that. But"--I thought her voice faltered a little--"
the question is solved, and he may return."
"Solved! How?" I asked quickly.
"I have found the will."
"What?"
"I have found the will," she repeated, in a steady tone, "and that
solves the question."
"Is it in your favor?" I asked, and then held my breath for a reply.
It came in a firmly uttered--
"No."
We looked steadily into each other's face for several moments.
"In whose favor?"
"In favor of Theresa Garcia his wife," she replied.
"But she is dead," I answered quickly.
"True--but I am not his heir."
She said this resolutely.
"She died childless," said I, "and will not the descent stop with
her?--the property reverting to you, as next of kin to Captain
Allen?"
"She may have relatives--a brother or sister," said Mrs.
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