"I sometimes think I am going mad! She holds the most solemn pledge from me that man could give to woman, and I have not the power to break it. But let us leave this subject! It is not a safe one for you and me to speak upon. You will do what you can with Mr. Pryor?"
"I will."
"There was another thing that I wished to speak to you about. I have engaged one of my friends, a lawyer of considerable prominence, to examine the original records and prove that your mother's marriage to Ben Mauprat was not legal, in order that your claim to the fortune your father left may not admit of question. It may be rather painful for you, but be assured that all will be done to spare your feelings that can be. You will trust me for that, will you not?"
"I don't think I quite understand you. You say that you have engaged a lawyer for me?"
"Yes."
"To prove my claim to the fortune your uncle left?"
"To the fortune your father left."
"No one can lay a claim to that in my name without my sanction, can they?"
"Of course not."
"And I have authorized no one to do it. I have already said that I have no right to that money, and no intention of having it! It is yours, and yours it shall remain."