"Oh, tell me, by all means; you have really made me quite curious. You know very well that I can keep a secret."
"Certainly; and I request you will not mention the facts I shall relate, to any one, for some time; not until we have taken the necessary legal steps."
"Of course not, if you wish it; and now for the story. You said this poor man had been injured."
"Grossly injured."
"In what manner?"
"He has been treated in the most unjustifiable manner by his nearest relatives. His reputation has been injured, and he has been tyrannically deprived of a very large property."
"Is it possible!—poor fellow! Can nothing be done for him?"
"That is what we shall see. Yes, I flatter myself if there is law in the land, we shall yet be able to restore him to his rights!"
"Does he belong to this part of the country?"
"He does not himself; but those who are revelling in his wealth do."