"My mother," said Claudius, "was too proud to come forward and claim what my father, but for his untimely death, would have given her in a few months. As for me, I have been contented in my life, and would have been unwilling to cause pain to any one by claiming my rights. My mother died when I was a mere child, and left these papers sealed, directing me not to open them until I should be twenty-one years old. And so when I opened them, I made up my mind to do nothing about it."
"It is not easy to understand you, Claudius; but I will swear to anything you like."
"Thank you; I am very grateful."
"Do not speak of that. I am proud to be of service. By the by, the present—the present incumbent is childless, I believe. He must be your father's brother?"
"Yes," said Claudius. "Should he die, I would not hesitate any longer."
"No indeed, I hope not. It is a shame as it is."
"By the by," said Claudius, who had put away his box; "why did you not go to Newport to-day? I meant to go on to-morrow and meet you there. This business had put it out of my head."
"Lady Victoria and the Countess both wanted to stay another day."
"Is the Countess ill?" asked Claudius. "Or do you think she would see me this evening?"
"I do not think there is anything especial the matter. She will very likely see you after dinner. As for me, I am hungry; I have walked all over New York this afternoon."