Newton, with unwonted jocularity.
"Both Katherine and myself are warmly grateful for your kind sympathy,"
said Mrs. Liddell, softly. Then, after a short pause, she asked, "Do you
know what became of Mr. Liddell's unfortunate wife?"
"She died eleven or twelve years ago. The family of--of the man she
lived with had the audacity to apply for money, on account of her
funeral, I think, and so I came to know she was dead. It was a sad
business. The poor woman had a wretched life, but I don't think she was
in any want."
"I only asked, because if she was in poverty--"
"Oh," interrupted the lawyer, "if she were alive, she would have her
share of the estate, as her marriage was never dissolved."
A short pause ensued, and then Newton asked if Miss Liddell would like
some money, as he would be happy to draw a check for any sum she
required. Then, indeed, Katherine felt that her days of difficulty were
over.
Mrs. Liddell and her daughter were in no hurry to leave their humble
home. In truth Katherine was more frightened than elated at the amount
of property she had inherited, and would have felt a little less guilty
had she only succeeded in obtaining a moderate competence.
A curious stunned feeling made her incapable of her usual activity for
the first few days, and averse even to plan for the future.
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