"We shall suppose this peculiar claim made good and clear in law, Mr.—Mr.——"
"De Murrer," suggested the lawyer, blandly.
"What would be the result?"
"Can you ask me?" said Mr. De Murrer; "most calamitous to your Lordship, I assure you."
"In what way, sir?"
"What way?"
"Don't repeat my words, sir!"
"With the title would go lands and estate, plate, pictures—everything, even to your household effects!"
Lord Oakhampton grew pale—very pale, yet less at the thought of himself than of his daughter, for the world was all before her yet. Rallying a little, he said:—
"You cannot think, Mr. De Murrer, that I will yield without a struggle—and a desperate one too!"