In truth he did not; he did not know how to begin.

He rose, and approached her.
"Mother, can you bear disappointment ?" he asked, taking her hand, and speaking gently, in spite of his agitation.
"Hush!" interrupted Lady Verner.

"If you speak of 'disappointment' to me, you are no true son of mine.

You are going to tell me that Stephen Verner has left nothing to me.

Let me tell you, Lionel, that I would not have accepted it--and this I made known to him.