'He is Sir Eustace,' exclaimed the squire, 'and Valary has no right at Parker's Dew, and I always said so!'
'It is quite true, uncle; but at present I prefer to waive the honour; his infirmity, perhaps nearness to death, and poor Marjory's forlorn condition, have kept me back from taking any steps for the recovery of my rights. Of course I have taken legal means; but they are yet in abeyance. My intention in coming to England was to see those who would now be forced to acknowledge me as kin, without apprising them of the obligation.'
'Then the will is an absolute forgery?' said the doctor.
'An absolute forgery,' was the reply.
'And Sir Valary knows it?'
'He has known it for many years; but he did not at the time of taking possession.'
'Well, I'm glad of that, for the honour of the family,' said the squire huskily.
'And for his conscience' sake,' said the doctor.
'Well, it makes it a shade lighter. Pray, does Bloodworth know you are living?'
'He is uncertain about it; he has had glimpses of me now and then, but has not been able to follow me up.'