Читать книгу The Daughter of a Soldier: A Colleen of South Ireland онлайн

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"Marriage settlement," was Walters' interruption.

"Well, yes, I did make the settlement before I married my poor dear wife."

"And you settled all that money on her and her children?"

"I did, and would have settled ten times as much if I had had it to settle. But she has long gone to the Land of the Blessed. I have adopted Maureen, and must provide for her. I want a deed of gift to be drawn up, giving the child an equal share with her three cousins of whatever money there is when I pass from the world."

O'More looked at Walters. Walters rose and paced the room. He paced it once, and then twice; then he said abruptly, "The only way you can provide for Maureen, Patrick, old man, is by living yourself. There is no earthly reason why you should not live until your children are of age; then if they wish it, we can easily draw up a deed of gift."

"But my little Kitty is only six years old," said the Rector. "Ah, my friends, I can't live as long as that. I know it. I don't want to talk of it, but I know it."