William was surprised when Mr. Cromwell annouced: 'That disposes of all the known assets of the late Charles Lester!
People began to shuffle around in their seats, as a murmur of nervous conversation broke out. No one wanted to admit that the unfortunate death had made them fortunate.
'That is not, however, the end of Mr. Charles Lester's last will and testament,' said the imperturbable lawyer, and everyone sat still again, fearful of some late and unwelcome thunderbolt.
Mr. Cromwell went on. 'I shall now continue in Mr. Charles Lester's own words : "I have always considered that a bank and its reputation are only as good as the people who serve it. It was well known that I had hoped my son Matthew would succeed me as chairman of Lester's, but his tragic and untimely death has intervened. Until now, I have never divulged my choice of successor for Lester's bank. I therefore wish it to be known that I desire William Lowell Kane, son of one of my dearest friends, the late Richard Lowell Kane, and at present the vice - chairman of Kane and Cabot, be appointed chairman of Lester's Bank and Trust Company following the next full board meeting." '
There was an immediate uproar. Everyone looked around the room for the mysterious Mr. William Lowell Kane of whom few but the immediate Lester family had ever heard.
'I have not yet finished,' said Arthur Cromwell quietly.
Silence fell once more, as the members of the audience, anticipating another bombshell, exchanged fearful glances.
The lawyer continued. 'All the above grants and division of shares in Lester's and Company are expressly conditional upon the beneficiaries voting for Mr. Kane at the next annual board meetinl~, and continuing to do so for at least the fol - I lowing five years, unless Mr. Kane himself indicates that he does not wish to accept the chairmanship.'
Uproar broke out again. William wished he was a million miles away, not sure whether to be deliriously happy or to concede that he must be the most detested person in that room.
"nat concludes the last will and testament of the late Charles Lester,'
said Mr. Cromwell, but only the front row heard him.
William looked up. Susan Lester was walking towards him. The puppy fat had disappeared while the attractive freckles remained. He smiled, but she walked straight past him without even acknowledging his presence.
William frowned.
Ignoring the babble, a tall, grey - haired man wearing a pin - striped suit and a silver tie moved quickly towards William.
'You are William Kane, are you not, sir Wes, I am,' said William nervously.
'My name is Peter Parfitt,' said the stranger.
'ne bank's vice - chairman,' said William.
'Correct, sir,' he said. 'I do not know you, but I do know something of your reputation, and I count myself lucky to have been acquainted with your distinguished father. If Charles Lester thought you were the right mAn to be chairman of his bank, that's good enough for me.'
William had never been so relieved in his life.
'Where are you staying in New York?' continued Peter Parfitt before William could reply.
'At the Harvard Club.'
'Splendid. May I ask if you are free for dinner tonight by any chance?'
'I had intended to return to Boston this evening,' said William, 'but I expect I shall now have to stay in New York for a few days.'
'Good. Why don't you come to my house for dinner, say about eight o'clock?'
The banker handed William his card with an address embossed in copperplate script. 'I shall enjoy the opportunity of chatting with you in more convivial surroundings!
'Thank you, sir,'said William, pocketing the card as others began crowding around him. Some stared at him in hostility; others waited to express their congratulations.
When William eventually managed to make his escape and returned to the Harvard Club, the first thing he did was to call Kate and tell her the news.
She said very quietly, 'How happy Matthew would be for you, darling!
'I know,'said William.
'When are you coming home?'
'God knows. I'm dining tonight with a Mr. Peter Parfitt who is a vice - chairman of Lester's. He's beina, most helpful over the whole affair, which is making life much easier. I'll spend the night here at the club, and then call you sometime tomorrow to let you know how things are working out!
'All right, darling.'
'All quiet on the Eastern seaboard?'
'Well, Virginia has cut a tooth and seems to think she deserves special attention, Richard was sent to bed early for being rude to Nanny, and we all miss you.'