"Yes; he sent for me, or I should never have thought of presenting myself. He looks very old and worn—and not particularly amiable."
"Well, he has had enough to sour him. How did he receive you?"
"With tolerable civility."
"He would not let me in! I wonder what he will do with all his property. If he dies intestate, I suppose you will inherit everything?"
"I suppose so; but I strongly suspect he will not leave me a sou. I am not pliant enough; and that unfortunate daughter of his may have left children to inherit, after all. I fancy I heard she was dead."
"So have I," said St. George. "Who did she marry?"
"I believe a Spaniard—an adventurer, with fine eyes and a splendid voice; I forget the name. Old Colonel du Cane, who was about town in those days, remembers the affair and the scandal, but the whole thing is forgotten now. I wonder old St. George did not marry and cut out every one."
"Unless he makes a very distinct will, you will have to spend a large slice of your fortune in defeating the pretenders who are sure to spring up."
"Or you will," returned Wilton, laughing; "for he is as likely to leave it to one as the other, or to some charity."