"Indeed _you_ must speak; I will not," said Doctor Wadsworth, in a low
tone, as he closed the door, and with Bennett approached Mrs.
Brownson.
After a moment's hesitation, Harry Bennett said:
"Now, Mrs. Brownson, that we have proved our sincerity and real love
for your daughters, there is no reason for any longer concealment."
"About what, sir?" asked his mother-in-law.
"Come, my dear madam; this is entirely useless. You have tried and
proved us. Now to business."
"Really, Mr. Bennett, I am at a loss to understand you! Will you
please to be explicit?"
"Well, madam, then I must tell you that I am perfectly well aware that
my wife is entitled to the one-third of two hundred thousand dollars
left by her father. Now, my dear madam, we are going on a very long
and expensive trip, and may need more than I have in ready money.
Now, that is just the whole truth," said Harry, who had gotten over
his slight embarrassment, and then spoke in a very business sort of
manner.
Not so Doctor Wadsworth; he seemed very much mortified, and looked as
if he wished he was away from that scene.
"Mr. Bennett, I spoke to you about this report, and told you how false
it was, did I not?"
"Oh, yes, madam; but you see--"
"You still believe this, even when I again tell you that neither I nor
my daughters have a dollar in the world beyond the small amount I have
now from the sale of my household effects? I assure you, sir, I speak
the truth," said Mrs.
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