Indeed Allen was usually in presence, and nobody ever ventured on
what might bore Allen. He was in good spirits, believing that the
discovery would put an end to all trifling on Elvira's part, and that
he and she would thus together be able to act the beneficent genii of
the whole family. Even their mother had a sense of relief. She was
very quiet, and moved about softly, like one severely shaken and
bruised; but there was a calm in knowing the worst, instead of living
in continual vague suspicion.
The Colonel returned with tidings that Mr. Wakefield had no doubt of
the validity of the will, though it might be possible to contest it
if Elizabeth Brook, the witness, could not be found; but that would
involve an investigation as to the manner of the loss, and the
discovery. It was, in truth, only a matter of time; and on Monday
Mr. Wakefield would come down and begin to take steps. That was the
day on which the family were to have gone to London, but Caroline's
heart failed her, and she was much relieved when a kind letter
arrived from Mrs. Evelyn, who was sure she could not wish to go into
society immediately after Janet's affair, and offered to receive
Elvira for as long as might be convenient, and herself—-as indeed had
been already arranged-—to present her at court with Sydney.
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