[CHAPTER II]
One morning a week or so after the conversation described at the end of the previous chapter, Godfrey Henderson found lying on the table in the studio a long, blue envelope, the writing upon which was of a neat and legal character. He did not own a halfpenny in the world, so what this could mean he was not able to imagine. Animated by a feeling of curiosity he opened the envelope and withdrew the contents. He read the letter through the first time without altogether realizing its meaning; then, with a vague feeling of surprise, he read it again. He had just finished his second perusal of it when Fensden entered the room. He glanced at Godfrey’s face, and said, as if in inquiry:
“Anything the matter? You look scared!”
“A most extraordinary thing,” returned Godfrey. “You have heard me talk of old Henderson of Detwich?”
“Your father’s brother? The old chap who sends you a brace of grouse every season, and asks when you are going to give up being a starving painter and turn your attention to business? What of him?”
“He is dead and buried,” answered Godfrey. “This letter is from his lawyer to say that I am his heir, in other words that Detwich passes to me, with fifteen thousand a year on which to keep it up, and that they are awaiting my instructions.”
There was a pause which lasted for upward of a quarter of a minute. Then Fensden held out his hand.
“My dear fellow, I am sure I congratulate you most heartily,” he said. “I wish you luck with all my heart. The struggling days are over now. For the future you will be able to follow your art as you please. You will also be able to patronize those who are not quite so fortunate. Fifteen thousand a year and a big country place! Whatever will you do with yourself?”
“That is for the Future to decide,” Godfrey replied.