"New? yes. Good? I can't say. Nothing you would care for, I fancy. All the magazines, though. A new volume by Merivale,--not much after your fashion. A new novel by nobody knows whom--Squire Fullerton's Will. By the bye, the name reminds me--I don't think you have heard about Mr. Foljambe's will?"
"No," said Madeleine rising, and tying on her bonnet at the chimney-glass.
"Your father is delighted. Only fancy, Mr. Foljambe has left all his money to Dr. Wilmot."
Madeleine did not answer for a minute. Then she said,
"I am very glad. Was Mr. Foljambe very rich?"
"I believe so. They talk of its being a very large fortune. What a delightful change for Dr. Wilmot! Of course he will give up his profession now, and take a place in society."
"Do you think he would give up his profession for anything, Lady Muriel?" asked Madeleine.
Lady Muriel was standing at a table, still sorting the books; she could not see Maddy's face.
"Give up his profession! Of course, my dear. A man of fortune is not likely to practise as a doctor, I should think; besides, the position."
"Everyone--I mean Mr. Foljambe always said Dr. Wilmot was so devoted to his profession," said Madeleine hesitatingly.