thicker than water, and a friend by election is often worthier and
dearer, besides being closer than any relative."

"You are right."

"Still, consanguinity must be considered a little. You might leave a
certain sum to these Bruces--or if, on inquiry, you found among them
any child whom you approved, you could adopt him as your heir, and he
could take the name Montgomerie."

"No," replied the ear, decisively, "that name is ended. All I have to
consider is my own people here--my tenants and servants. Whoever
succeeds me ought to know them all, and be to them exactly what I have
been, or rather what I hope to be."

"Mr. Cardross, for instance. Were you thinking of him as your heir?"

"No, not exactly," replied Lord Cairnforth, slightly coloring. "He is a
little too old. Besides, he is not quite the sort of person I should
wish--too gentle and self-absorbed--too little practical."

"One of his sons, perhaps?"

"No, nor one of yours either; to whom, by the way you will please to set
down a thousand pounds apiece. Nay, don't look so horrified; it will
not harm them. But personally I do not know them, nor they me. And my
heir should be some one whom I thoroughly do know, thoroughly respect,
thoroughly love. There is but one person in the world--one young
person--who answers to all those requisites."