"I shall discharge Roy at once, Mrs. Verner."
Mrs. Verner made a deprecatory movement of the hands, as much as to say that it was no business of hers. "Lionel, I have only one request to make of you: never speak of the estate to me again, or of anything connected with its management. You are its sole master, and can do as you please. Shall you turn me out?"
Lionel's face flushed. "No, Mrs. Verner," he almost passionately answered. "You could not think so."
"You have the right. Had Fred come home, he would have had the right. But I'd hardly reconcile myself to any other house how."
"It is a right which I should never exercise," said Lionel.
"I shall mostly keep my room," resumed Mrs. Verner; "perhaps wholly keep it: and Mary Tynn will wait upon me. The servants will be yours, Lionel. In fact, they are yours; not mine. What a blessing! to know that I may be at peace from henceforth: that the care will be upon another's shoulders! My poor Fred! My dear sons! I little thought I was taking leave of them both for the last time!"
Jan jumped off his bureau. Now that the brunt of the surprise was over, and plans began to be discussed, Jan bethought himself of his impatient sick list, who were doubtlessly wondering at the non-appearance of their doctor. Lionel rose to depart with him.
"But, you should not go," said Mrs. Verner. "In five minutes I vacate this study; resign it to you. This change will give you plenty to do, Lionel."
"I know it will, dear Mrs. Verner. I shall be back soon, but I must hasten to acquaint my mother."
"You will promise not to go away again, Lionel. It is your lawful home, remember."