Indeed, we pressed the matter so far that we almost came into collision, for she asked us if we were or were not prepared to carry out her wishes.

Of course, we had then no alternative but to accept.

We were right in principle, and ninety-nine times out of a hundred we should have proved, by the logic of events, the accuracy of our judgment.
"Frankly, however, I must admit that in this case any other form of disposition would have rendered impossible the carrying out of her wishes.

For by her predeceasing her daughter the latter would have come into possession of the property, and, even had she only survived her mother by five minutes, her property would, in case there were no will, and a will was a practical impossibility in such a case, have been treated at her decease as under intestacy.

In which case Lord Godalming, though so dear a friend, would have had no claim in the world.