She came directly to the room where we were all assembled."
"A strong situation for a play," remarked Quincy.
"They played it," said Ned. "The son-in-law took Mrs. Bliss into an
adjoining room and ordered her to stay there. Then he returned. This
was to be a Waterloo but he was the Wellington.
"My client was propped up in bed, a pen placed in his hand, while the
document rested on a large book which Jack held.
"The son-in-law began the oratory. 'I protest,' he screamed. 'This
sacrilege, this injustice shall not be done with my consent.' What
was it you said to him, Jack?"
"I told him unless he stopped talking in such an excited manner, and
made less noise, it would have a very prejudicial effect upon my
patient's health.
"The son-in-law then denounced Mrs. Bliss as an adventuress, and that
she had no legal claim upon his father-in-law. His loud voice and
violent gestures were too much for the invalid. The pen dropped from
his nerveless fingers and he fell back exhausted. I think you had
better take it up now, Ned."
"All right. You gave me a chance to rest my voice. Yes, thank you,"
as Tom passed him a glass of water.
Ned resumed, "The door was opened and Mrs. Bliss looked in. 'Has he
signed?' she asked.
"'No, he hasn't,' yelled the son-in-law, 'and while I live he never
shall' Now you come in again, Jack."
"'Ladies and gentlemen.
Pages:
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277