"Yes. The good--or harm--that might be done with it is
incalculable."

"I feel that--at least I am beginning to feel it."

And for a time the earl sat silent and thoughtful; the old lawyer
fussing about, putting papers and debris of all sorts into their right
places, but feeling it awkward to resume the conversation.

"Mr. Menteith, are you at liberty now? For I have quite made up my
mind. This matter of the will shall be settled at once. It can be
done?"

"Certainly."

"Sit down, then, and I will dictate it. But first you must promise not
to interfere with any disposition I may see fit to make of my property."

"I should not have the slightest right to do so, Lord Cairnforth."

"My good old friend! Well, now, how shall we begin?"

"I should recommend your first stating any legacies you may wish to
leave to dependents--for instance, Mrs. Campbell, or Malcolm, and
then bequeathing the whole bulk of your estates to some one person--
some young person likely to outlive you, and upon whom you can depend to
carry out all your plans and intentions, and make as good a use of your
fortune as you would have done yourself. That is my principle as to
choice of an heir. There are many instances in which blood is not