I had nothing when Joseph Hooper's money came to me, so,
you see, it will be quite easy for me to step down and out. I have
only to walk out of the house with my wife and children, without a
cent in my pockets, and the job is done. Everything else belongs to
Geoffrey and his sisters." Mr. Hoskins was disconcerted. He had come
prepared to be generous. "My dear sir, the fortunes of war have
militated against--"
"Better say the misfortunes of war," interrupted Mr. Bingle, with a
twinkle in his eye.
"I wish you wouldn't interrupt me every time I start to speak to you,
Mr. Bingle," said the lawyer. "I'm not accustomed to being--"
"I beg your pardon," again interrupted Mr. Bingle, and, because he
said it apologetically, Mr. Hoskins was not resentful.
"My clients are disposed to be fair and--I will not say charitable--
generous in their hour of triumph. Last evening they met and discussed
the problems confronting you, sir. They realise that you devoted a
great deal of your time and much of your slender means toward securing
the comfort of their lamented father--"
"And burying him," put in Mr.
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