Yet he is in his office ready to pick up what business may come his way; and he is waiting to see me.
I tell Mr.Brooks at once that I want to divide the property equally with Zoe.

He thinks, evidently, that I have weakened before the mere prospect of a contest; and he assures me that the estate can be settled as my father intended.

Well, but can this plan of mine be carried out?
As easily as the other, he says, and of course more bindingly if there can be a difference.

For he had intended to have the court decree a sale of the property and divide the money under the sanction of the court.
But according to my plan Zoe could get no more; and therefore no one could object to it.
I am curious about my father.

What is the danger of a contest, even if Zoe could be brought to make one?
Mr.Brooks tells me that my father was drinking heavily toward the last; that he looked aged and worn.