‘But the whole estate is strictly entailed, Mr. Charles,’ replied the lawyer, with compassionate regard.
‘The income, however, is all clear, Mr. Keelevin.’
‘I dinna misdoubt that, Mr. Charles, but the entail—Do you ken how it runs?’
‘No; but I imagine much in the usual manner.’
‘No, Mr. Charles,’ said the honest writer, raising his head, and letting his hand fall on the table, with a mournful emphasis; ‘No, Mr. Charles, it does na run in the usual manner; and I hope ye’ll no put ony reliance on’t. It was na right o’ your father to let you live in ignorance so long. Maybe it has been this to-look that has led you into the debts ye want to pay.’
The manner in which this was said affected the unfortunate first-born more than the meaning; but he replied,—
‘No doubt, Mr. Keelevin, I may have been less scrupulous in my expenses than I would have been, had I not counted on the chance of my birthright.’
‘Mr. Charles, I’m sorry for you; but I would na do a frien’s part by you, were I to keep you ony langer in the dark. Your father, Mr. Charles, is an honest man; but there’s a bee in his bonnet, as we a’ ken, anent his pedigree. I need na tell you how he has warslet to get back the inheritance o’ his forefathers; but I am wae to say, that in a pursuit so meritorious, he has committed ae great fault. Really, Mr. Charles, I have na hardly the heart to tell you.’
‘What is it?’ said Charles, with emotion and apprehension.