"Yes," she answered, "a most unexpected legacy."
"Your father was his manager, I understand?"
"He was, but Fairplains originally belonged to him."
"Oh!" exclaimed the old gentleman with a look of blank surprise.
"And I'm afraid, he lost it through me."
"My dear young lady, surely you are not serious!"
"Yes, as I was delicate, I had to be sent to England, when I was a small child, and he was constantly coming over to see me, leaving a manager to look after the estate, the manager robbed him, and ran away with the money, leaving no end of debts, and difficulties for father."
"Well, I am glad it has gone back to you," said Mr. Mayne politely. "By the way, you knew my nephew Derek, I believe he stayed at Fairplains?"
"Yes,—for a short time."
"A nice fellow, isn't he, and a capital shot?"