"Of course. But I can do that. Uncle Francis is going to make up my legacy to three thousand pounds, you know."
"I know that he says so."
"But—you can't doubt his word!" cried Frank, his eyes lifted again in genuine amazement.
"Not his word, Frank: no, nor his intention: both are honest as the day. I only doubt his power."
"His power! What, with all that accumulated money just dropped into his hands!"
"But it has not yet dropped into them. It seems that a doubt exists as to where the money is, or even whether any exists at all."
"Oh, Uncle Hugh, it is sure to be found. I dare say it has already turned up."
"Well, I hope it has, Frank, and that you will reap all you expect. Let it pass so. Still, you must spend the money to ensure a practice; and the practice may not turn out as lucrative as you may be led to expect. The practice here is certain; you need not spend any money in securing it; and in a short time, a little sooner or a little later, it will be all in your hands."
"Uncle Hugh, you are very generous, very thoughtful for me; but indeed I could not settle at Trennach. There are reasons——"
Frank pulled up hastily. He was going on to say that for certain reasons this one small spot, in the whole length and breadth of the world's surface, was barred to him. Rather would he pass his life in some desert unfrequented by man, than within sight and sound of the Bare Plain.