“Not upon all of them,” returned Wingfold; “and you have it in your power to temper the trouble. But I beg you will not be hastily generous, and do what you may regret, finding it for the good of none.”
“I will think well before I do anything,” answered Richard. “But there may be another will yet!”
“Of course there may! No one can tell. In the meantime we must be guided by appearances. Come with me to Mr. Bell.”
“I must see my mother first.”
He found her ironing a shirt for him, and told her the news. She received them quietly. So many changes had got both her and Richard into a sober way of expecting. They went to Mr. Bell, and Richard begged him to do what he judged necessary. Mr. Bell at once communicated with lady Ann's lawyer, and requested him to inform her ladyship that sir Richard would call upon her the next day. Mr. Wingfold accompanied him to Mortgrange. Lady Ann received them with perfect coolness.
“You are, I trust, aware of the cause of my visit, lady Ann?” said Richard.
“I am.”
“May I ask what you propose to do?”
“That, excuse me, is my affair. It lies with me to ask you what provision you intend making for sir Wilton's family.”
“Allow me, lady Ann, to take the lesson you have given me, and answer, that is my affair.”