“I listen!” she murmured.
“First, with regard to Chetwynd. I do not exactly know how he is circumstanced, but I fear he is in debt. He has always been extravagant. I think it will be best to continue the allowance I have hitherto made him, of six hundred a year, for the present; and if he marries, or reforms, let him have thirty thousand pounds.”
“It shall be done exactly as you enjoin,” said his wife, earnestly.
“Beyond the sum I have settled on you, Teresa,” continued the old man, “I estimate my property at sixty thousand pounds. Of this one half is to go to Chetwynd, provided he reforms; the other half to Mildred, on her marriage, provided she marries with your consent. This house, with the plate, pictures, books, furniture, carriages, and horses, and all the lands attached to it, are yours—for life.”
“Oh! you are too good to me!” she exclaimed, her eyes filling with tears.
“I have now told you all!” he said. “I leave you mistress of everything; and; since you know my wishes, I am sure you will act up to them.”
“I will! I will!” she ejaculated, in broken accents.
“Enough! I shall now die content!”
He then closed his eyes, and his lips slightly moved, as if in prayer.
Teresa constrained her emotion by a strong effort; and, for a few minutes, perfect silence prevailed.