" But what now ? " cried the agitated lawyer. " What
are you going to do ? "

" Surely that is a little premature," replied Miss
Sophy ; " unlearn being an heiress first."

224



i THE NOTARY'S LOVE STORY

" Will you marry me ? " cried Anthony Barbas.
" Now, don't go and think me indecent, and your cousin
not yet cold. It was brutal of her, I tell you, Miss
Sophy. Miss Sophy, I'm a middle-aged man with a lot
of grey hairs and a competence. I'm not rich. Miss
Sophy, will you marry me ? "

The girl's eyes dropped ; her whole frame trembled.
" Hush," she said, " hush. You shouldn't speak of such
things now. Mynheer Barbas — and here." She cast a
timid glance over her shoulder. " You are very good —
very good, and I know it. Very kind."

" Which means no," said Anthony softly. " I am old
and a fool. I hope to God you will get a better husband,
my dear ! "

A long silence ensued. " It doesn't matter," said
Sophy at length, " about the will. Nobody knows."

" One man knows," said the Notary.
