"And did she tell you
also," he demanded, "that for three years I have urged her to
make a home in this house? That I have offered her an income as
large as I would give my own daughter, and that she has refused
both offers. And what's more" -- in his excitement his voice
rose hysterically -- "by working publicly for her living she has
made me appear mean and uncharitable, and -- "
"That's just it," interrupted Miss Coates. "It isn't a question
of charity."
"Will you allow me?" said Winthrop soothingly. "Your niece
contends, sir," he explained, "that this money you offered her
is not yours to offer. She claims it belongs to her. That it's
what should have been her father's share of the profits on the
Coates-Hallowell coupling pin. But, as you have willed your
niece so much money, although half of it is hers already, I
advised her not to fight. Going to law is an expensive business.
But she has found out -- and that's what brings me uptown this
morning -- that you intend to make a new will, and leave all her
money and your own to establish the Hallowell Institute. Now,"
Winthrop continued, with a propitiating smile, "Miss Coates also
would like to be a philanthropist, in her own way, with her own
money. And she wishes to warn you that, unless you deliver up
what is due her, she will proceed against you."
Judge Gaylor was the first to answer.
"Mr. Winthrop," he said impressively, "I give you my word, there
is not one dollar due Miss Coates, except what Mr.
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