The party was at his mercy after all.
"What does it all amount to ?" said the doctor, interpreting the perplexed looks of the company.
"I had better perhaps explain it in simple words," said the attorney condescendingly, "if you will give me your attention." You might have heard a pin drop now.
"Briefly, the provisions of our dear friend's will are these.

Proper provision is made for the support in comfort of the widow during her life.

Legacies are also left, as you have heard, to certain friends, servants, and charities.

The whole of the remaining property, which it is my impression will be found to be very considerable, is left in trust for the testator's only son, Roger, our young friend here, who is to receive it absolutely on reaching the age of twenty-one.

The conditions of the trust are a trifle peculiar.