"It isn't all I have to say. I must indulge in a few more reminiscences, though you dislike them. A few years passed. Dudley married against his father's wishes; that is, his father did not approve of his selection, and he fell out of favor. As he lost favor you gained it."
"That is true enough, but it is an old story. Why recall it?"
"Does it seem just that an own son should be disinherited and a stranger--"
"A near relative," corrected Stephen Ray.
"Well, a near relative, but less near than an only son. Does it seem right that Dudley should have been disinherited and you put in his place?"
"Certainly. My cousin disobeyed his father, while I was always dutiful and obedient."
"So he was left in poverty."
"I don't see how that concerns you, Benjamin Bolton. My uncle had the right to dispose of his property as he pleased. It was not for me to question his right nor you."
"Probably Dudley Ray is living in poverty now."
"You are mistaken. He is dead."