I shall write and consult Colonel Ormonde, and find
out if I could not dispute the will--no, not the will--the property. I
should not like to give up my rights."
"Please, Ada, do not speak so loudly. My mother had just fallen asleep
before you came in; and she had such a bad night!"
"Loud? I am not talking loudly. You mean to insinuate I am in a
passion? I am nothing of the kind. I am perfectly cool, but
determined--determined to have justice, and my fair share of this man's
wealth!"
"It may not be wealth; it may be only competence, and it is not ours to
share yet."
"Not yours, you mean; that is what you _thought_, Katherine. And as to
wealth, I believe that cruel old miser was _enor_mously rich! Where are
the boys?"
"Out walking with Lottie. I am _so_ glad they were not in to hear all
this! Do not talk to them of being rich, dear Ada; it puts unhealthy
ideas into their minds, and--"
"Upon my word! I like to hear _you_, a mere girl, not quite nineteen
yet, advising me, a mother, a married woman, about my own children. You
need not presume on your expected riches. _I'll_ never play the part of
a poor relation, and submit to be lectured by _you_."
Her sister-in-law's stings and passing fits of ill-humor never irritated
Katherine unless they worried her mother, nor did this most unwonted
outburst of irrepressible indignation, but it distressed her.
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