of such a despicable trick--no--curse me if I did! Why, it would
have been kinder to have left you nothing at all--but it was like
George--bitter to the end--ten guineas!"

"Is ten guineas," said I, "and when one comes to think of it,
much may be done with ten guineas."

Sir Richard grew purple in the face, but before he could speak,
Mr. Grainger began to read again:

"'Moreover, the sum of five hundred thousand pounds, now vested
in the funds, shall be paid to either Maurice or Peter Vibart
aforesaid, if either shall, within one calendar year, become the
husband of the Lady Sophia Sefton of Cambourne.'"

"Good God!" exclaimed Sir Richard.

"'Failing which,'" read Mr. Grainger, "'the said sum, namely,
five hundred thousand pounds, shall be bestowed upon such charity
or charities as the trustees shall select. Signed by me, this
tenth day of April, eighteen hundred and--, GEORGE VIBRART. Duly
witnessed by ADAM PENFLEET, MARTHA TRENT."'

Here Mr. Grainger's voice stopped, and I remember, in the silence
that followed, the parchment crackled very loudly as he folded it
precisely and laid it on the table before him. I remember also
that Sir Richard was swearing vehemently under his breath as he
paced to and fro between me and the window.

"And that is all?" I inquired at last.