He had not strength to attach his name.
It was not until the day after the funeral that the significance of these words impressed itself on Basil. "The honour of my name is in your hands." They were his father's last words to him. What meaning did they bear? He had heard from his father's lawyers, informing him that they had the will in their possession, and that they were at his service. He wrote to them, to the effect that he would call upon them early the following morning.
The head of the firm received him gravely and courteously, and gave orders that they were not to be disturbed.
The will had been drawn out years since, and no alteration had been made in it. Everything was left to Basil, unreservedly to him. There were affectionate allusions in it which drew tears from Basil's eyes. When this emotion had subsided he observed that the lawyer was regarding him with an air of curiosity.
"May I ask," said the lawyer, "if full confidence existed between you and your father?"
"The fullest," replied Basil. "He had no secrets from me, nor I any from him."
The lawyer seemed sensibly relieved. "You know of his speculations?"
"His speculations!" exclaimed Basil, in surprise. "I was not aware that he speculated."
"Then full confidence did not exist between you. I warned him; I could do no more than that. In my experience, my dear sir, I have seen so many go the same way. There is but one end to it, and this has ended as the others have done."
"I will listen to nothing against my father," said Basil warmly.