The Thin Woman An Epicurean Mystery Author:Dorothy Cannell "Now if we are indeed ready," the solicitor hemmed, "I will begin the reading: — "'I, Merlin Percival Grantham, being of sound mind, hereby declare this to be my Last Will and Testament..." — "'To Giselle Simons and Bentley Haskell in equal share, I leave all my remaining estate. — "Subject to the following conditions: — "'i. That Giselle Simons an... more »d Bentley Haskell shall reside at my residence for a period of six months from the date of my death.
"'2. That Giselle Simons shall divest herself of four and one-half stone, no less, in body weight, within said six months and can prove same by presentation f\of a doctor's certificate.
"'3. That Bentley Haskell shall write and complete a book of marketable length and submit same to a reputable publisher within said six months, and said manuscript shall contain not one word of blasphemy or obscenity. My esteemed solicitor,m Mr. Wilberforce Bragg, has agreed to read same masterpiece and to be present when it is delivered into the hands of the post office.
"4. That Giselle Simons and Bentley Haskell, singly or together, shall within said six months discover the treasure connected with my house. The answer to this quest, described in a sealed letter to be held in the possession of my solicitor, Mr. Wilberforce Bragg, to be opened six months from the date of my death. In the event that either Giselle or Bentley fails to attempt or meet all of the four conditions within this time span, their shares shall be both divested and shall be divided among Maurice Flatts, Louise Emily Flatts, Frederick George Flatts, Vanessa Fitz-Gerald, and Astrid Rose Fitz-Gerald, or the survivor or survivors of them.'"
A stunned silence swamped the room. Freddy drew a ragged breath and raised a wineglass, twriling it in an exagerrated arc above his head. "A toast!" he cried. "To the late great Uncle Merlin, a very sporting gentleman. The game has just begun."« less