He was
physically a finer man than Carnac; he had capacity; he had personality;
and he would have money and position--for a time at least. In that time,
why should he not win this girl with the wonderful eyes and hair, with
the frankness and candour of unspoiled girlhood in her face? Presently he
would be in the blare of sensation, in the height of as dramatic an
episode as comes to the lives of men; and in the episode he saw
advantages which should weigh with any girl.
Then had come the reading of the will after the funeral rites were over,
and he, with the family, were gathered in the dining-room of the House on
the Hill.
He was scarcely ready, however, for the prodigious silence following the
announcement read by the lawyer. He felt as though life was suspended for
many minutes, when it was proclaimed that he, Luke Tarboe, would inherit
the property. Although he knew of the contents of the will his heart was
thumping like a sledge-hammer.
He looked round the room slowly. The only embarrassment to be seen was on
the faces of Fabian and his wife. Mrs. Grier and Carnac showed nothing.
Carnac did not even move; by neither gesture nor motion of body did he
show aught. At the close of it all, he came to Tarboe and held out a
hand.
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