I have had cruel reason to repent my folly. I might feel
resentment against you, on account of your friend's infamy, but I am
not weak enough for that. Victor Carrington and I have a terrible
account to settle, and it shall be settled to the uttermost. I need
hardly tell you that, if you hold any further communication with him,
you will for ever forfeit my friendship."
"My dear sir, you surely cannot suppose--"
"Do not interrupt me. I wish to say what I have to say, and to have
done with this subject for ever. You know I have already told you the
contents of the will which I made after my marriage. That will left the
bulk of my fortune to my wife. That will must now be destroyed; and in
the document which I shall substitute for it, your name will occupy its
old place. Heaven grant that I do wisely, Reginald, and that you will
prove yourself worthy of my confidence."
"My dear uncle, your goodness overpowers me. I cannot find words to
express my gratitude."
"No thanks, Reginald. Remember that the change which restores you to
your old position is brought about by my misery. Say no more. Better
that an Eversleigh should be master of Raynham when I am dead and gone.
And now leave me."
The young man retired. His face betrayed conflicting emotions. Lost to
all sense of honour though he was, the iniquity of the scheme by which
he had succeeded weighed horribly upon his mind, and he was seized with
a wild fear of the man through whose agency it had been brought about.
Pages:
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221