THE TERRACE
653
ney-at-Law." She handed the card to the cook, the cook passed
it on to the chauffeur who, not knowing what to do, returned it
to the lawyer. Evidently a man of orderly habits, he put it back
in his cardcase. Then he sat down, blew his nose, apologetically,
opened his brief case and said:
"The dog, cat and parrot are also required to
be
present."
They were brought in at once. The attorney asked:
"This is the dog named Merlin?"
Upon hearing his name the dog tried to wag his tail but,
since he had none, he started moving
his
hind quarters with a
discreet acceleration.
"This is the cat called David?"
The cat turned its head and contemplated the attorney with
little interest.
"This is the parrot named George?"
The parrot screeched:
"Come again."
Mr. Arner announced that he was going to read Miss
Slingsby's last will and testament. The maid was seated on the
edge of her chair, her feet crossed, her knees together and bent
to one side. The chauffeur looked at her, thinking: "She does
look like a lady."
In the silence the cat occasionally heard a sound somewhere,
pricked up his ears and looked around intrigued. The cook su–
spected that he was hearing the ashes inside the box.
Mr. Arner read the preamble and then the executive part
of the will. "To the dog Merlin, who in all probability
will
not
live over seven years, I bequeathe ten thousand dollars. To the
cat David, who may also live six or seven years, I bequeathe
fifteen thousand dollars. To the parrot George, whose life may
yet be prolonged for more than forty years, I bequeathe thirty
thousand dollars. These sums are for veterinary fees, when neces–
sary, as well as living expenses and entertainment, since the gen–
eral upkeep of the house, which will continue to be cared for by
the maid so long as any of the three animals shall live, is pro-
