I take this silver dish, for instance; it is in my hands, I have the use of it; but can I give it to either of you ladies ?" "Not very well, because it belongs to us already." "You misapprehend me.

I can not give it because it is not mine to give." Mrs.Carnaby looked puzzled.
"Eliza, allow me," said Mistress Yordas, in her stiffer manner, and now for the first time interfering.

"Mr.Jellicorse assures us that his language is a model of clearness and precision; perhaps he will prove it by telling us now, in plain words, what his meaning is." "What I mean, madam, is that your respected father could devise you a part only of this property, because the rest was not his to devise.

He only had a life-interest in it." "His will, therefore, fails as to some part of the property?
How much, and what part, if you please ?" "The larger and better part of the estates, including this house and grounds, and the home-farm." Mrs.Carnaby started and began to speak; but her sister moved only to stop her, and showed no signs of dismay or anger.
"For fear of putting too many questions at once," she said, with a slight bow and a smile, "let me beg you to explain, as shortly as possible, this very surprising matter." Mr.Jellicorse watched her with some suspicion, because she called it so surprising, yet showed so little surprise herself.

For a moment he thought that she must have heard of the document now in his hands; but he very soon saw that it could not be so.