He went on with a flow of words: "Yes, it is all as clear as daylight
with this arrangement of a division in two. We inherit from a friend who
did not want to make any difference between us, any distinction; who did
not wish to appear to say: 'I prefer one or the other after death, as I
did during life.' He liked the wife best, be it understood, but in
leaving the fortune equally to both, he wished plainly to express that
his preference was purely platonic. And you may be sure that, if he had
thought of it, that is what he would have done. He did not reflect. He
did not foresee the consequences. As you said very appropriately just
now, it was you to whom he offered flowers every week, it is to you he
wished to leave his last remembrance, without taking into consideration
that--"
She checked him, with a shade of irritation: "All right; I understand.
You have no need to make so many explanations. Go to the notary's at
once."