"But, Mr. Dumont, you are not a married man, you know, and one-third of
it would be very handsome for you."
"Very comfortable, indeed; and, no doubt, I ought to be very grateful to
you for allowing me so much."
"Exactly so. Gratitude is a sentiment worthy of cherishing. The fact is,
Mr. Dumont, I intend to marry; and, for a man of my expensive habits,
one-half is hardly an adequate share. You are a single man, and not
likely to change your condition at present, so that you can have no
possible use, either for yourself or for your heirs, for any more than
one-third."
"Your calculations are excellent!" said Jaspar, with a withering sneer.
"But suppose I should grumble at your taking the lion's share?"
"O, but, my dear sir, you will not grumble! Your sense of justice will
enable you to perceive the equity of this division."
"Enough of this! I am in no humor for jesting," said Jaspar, with a
frown.
"Jesting!" exclaimed the attorney, with a well-made gesture of
astonishment; "I was never more in earnest in my life."
"May I be allowed to inquire the name of your intended bride?" sneered
Jaspar.
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