"I knew that I was the Luttrells' cousin all my life," said Elizabeth. There was a touch of perversity in her answer.
"Yes—yes. But when did you know that you were the next heir—or heiress? You cannot have known that all your life," said Mrs. Heron.
"I did not know that until a few days ago. I had a letter from a lawyer when Brian Luttrell went abroad. Mr. Brian Luttrell wished him to communicate with me and to tell me——"
"Well?" said Mrs. Heron, curiously. "To tell you what?"
"That it was probable that the property would come to me," Elizabeth answered, for the first time with some embarrassment, "as he did not intend to marry. And that he wished to settle a certain sum upon me—in case I might be in want of money now."
"And that was a fortnight ago?" said Percival.
"Yes," said Elizabeth, without looking at him, "nearly a fortnight ago."
"This is very interesting," said Mrs. Heron, who was languidly brightening as she heard Elizabeth's story and recognised the fact that substantial advantages were likely to accrue to the household from Elizabeth's good fortune. "And of course you accepted the offer, Lizzie dear? But why did you not tell us at once?"
"I waited until things should be settled. The matter might have fallen through. It did not seem worth while to mention it until it was settled," said Elizabeth.
"How much did he offer you? Mr. Brian Luttrell must have been a very generous man."