She dreamt of
houses in South Kensington, of social ambitions gratified even
thus late.
On the morning after the funeral came a postcard announcing
John's return by a certain train, but no scrap of news was added.
'Just like that irritating boy! We must go to the station to meet
him. You'll come, won't you, Amy?'
Amy readily consented, for she too had hopes, though
circumstances blurred them. Mother and daughter were walking
about the platform half an hour before the train was due; their
agitation would have been manifest to anyone observing them. When
at length the train rolled in and John was discovered, they
pressed eagerly upon him.
'Don't you excite yourself,' he said gruffly to his mother.
'There's no reason whatever.'
Mrs Yule glanced in dismay at Amy. They followed John to a cab,
and took places with him.
'Now don't be provoking, Jack. Just tell us at once.'
'By all means. You haven't a penny.'
'I haven't? You are joking, ridiculous boy!'
'Never felt less disposed to, I assure you.'
After staring out of the window for a minute or two, he at length
informed Amy of the extent to which she profited by her uncle's
decease, then made known what was bequeathed to himself.
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