He was shown into the library, where he found Ran reading.
“Good-morning, Mr. Hay. Will you let me look at your ‘Burke’s Peerage’ for a moment?”
“Certainly. How do you do, Mr. Campbell? And how is your family—and your patient?” inquired Ran as he arose and shook hands with the rector, and then went to the bookcase and took down the “Peerage.”
“The family is well. The invalid very low. I received a letter from the steward of Engelwode this morning, in answer to the one I wrote to the earl, informing me of the death of the Viscount Stoors and the extreme illness of Lord Engelmeed, whose demise was then hourly expected.”
“Indeed! Had they taken the fever?”
“Yes. It was madness for them to remain at Engelwode during its prevalence. It is from hearing of these occurrences that I wish to consult Burke. I think that since the death of Lord Stoors, our wretch, Montgomery, is heir presumptive to the title and estate,” said the rector as he took the heavy red volume from the hands of the young squire, laid it on the library table, and sat down to examine it.
Ran resumed his seat.
“It is as I thought. There is no other son. And Kightly Montgomery, as the eldest son of the next brother, the late Gen. Montgomery, is heir presumptive to the earldom, and may even now be Earl of Engelmeed. Think of it!” exclaimed the rector as he closed the book. “Wealth and rank, for which the wretched man periled his soul and fatally wrecked his life to obtain feloniously, now come to him lawfully and honorably, but on his deathbed!”
“Yes, it is terrible. If he had but waited! Now it seems the iron of fate—this useless accession to fortune!” sighed Ran.