His soft tones were dropped.
"Mr.Manning," said Frank, "I wish to talk to you." "You may, of course," his stepfather replied mildly.

"It is about the will," Frank advised him.
"So you would complain of your poor mother, would you ?" said his stepfather, in a tone of virtuous indignation.
"I cannot believe that my mother made that will." Mr.Manning colored.

He scented danger.

Should Frank drop such hints elsewhere, he might make trouble, and lead to a legal investigation, which Mr.Manning had every reason to dread.
"This is very foolish," he said, more mildly.

"No doubt you are disappointed, but probably your mother has provided wisely.