However, he had not long to wait before he learned the reason, for the document produced by Mr.Jarwin was singularly short and concise.

Pine had never been a great speaker, and carried his reticence into his testamentary disposition.

Five minutes was sufficient for the reading of the will, and those present learned that all real and personal property had been left unreservedly to Agnes Pine, the widow of the testator, on condition that she did _not_ marry Noel Tamsworth Leighton Lambert.

If she did so, the money was to pass to a certain person, whose name was mentioned in a sealed envelope held by Mr.
Jarwin.

This was only to be opened when Agnes Pine formally relinquished her claim to the estate by marrying Noel Lambert.