Chetwynd found it somewhat difficult to explain, as he did not desire for the present to enter into details; but he mentioned that his sister had been taken ill during the night, and was still rather seriously indisposed. This was quite sufficient to account for his anxious looks.
However, Chetwynd desired to consult his friend; and, therefore, said to him:
“I have a communication to make to you, dear Sir Bridgnorth, which I am convinced will give you great surprise, and very likely induce you to take a totally different view of certain matters now before you. My sister and myself have hitherto been completely in the dark in regard to a very important provision of my father's will.”
“Indeed!” exclaimed the baronet. “I should not have conceived that possible. What is it, pray?”
“From examination of the will, it appears that if Mrs. Calverley marries again, the whole of the property bequeathed her by my father goes to Mildred.”
“Now, indeed, you surprise me!” exclaimed the baronet. “And is it possible this very important proviso has only just been discovered? Such negligence is inconceivable!”
“The proviso cannot, I think, have been known to Mrs. Calverley, or she would not have proceeded so far with her present matrimonial arrangements. But, whether known to her or not, it is the fact. Now comes the important question—does she mean to marry Lord Courland?”
“I have no doubt of it,” replied Sir Bridgnorth. “Unless prevented, she will marry him.”
“Most assuredly, then, she will forfeit her property. Besides, she can make no settlement upon him.”
“Yes; she has property of her own. She can settle that.”