Atherton made no reply, and Sir Richard said no more.
But as he opened the door he gave the young man a look so full of strange significance that he almost guessed its import.
Sir Richard paused for a moment as he went back to the table.
"What is the use of this?" he exclaimed aloud. "No remonstrance will deter him. He will go on to destruction. The estates will pass away from us. Perchance a few words, written at the last moment, may change him! Heaven grant it. I will try. But now to complete my task. All will soon be over!"
With this he sat down at the table, and with a strange composure resumed his writing.
CHAPTER XXX.
A TERRIBLE CATASTROPHE.
On returning to the entrance-hall Atherton found Markland, the butler. The old man looked at him very wistfully, and said:
"Excuse me, sir, if I venture to say a few words to you. Has an important communication been made to you by Sir Richard?"
"A very important communication, indeed," replied Atherton. "And when I tell you what it is, I think I shall surprise you?"
"No, you won't surprise me in the least, sir," replied Markland. "The moment I set eyes upon you I felt certain that you were the rightful heir of this property. You are the very image of my former master, Sir Oswald. I hope Sir Richard intends to do you justice and acknowledge you?"