"No;
the decision which I arrived at in Arlington Street was a just and wise
decision. I have been mad to-day--maddened by anger and despair; but it
is not too late to repent my folly. The seducer of Mary Goodwin shall
never be the master of Raynham Castle."
Sir Oswald folded the sheet of foolscap on which the will was written,
and held it over the flame of the lamp. He carried it over to the fire-
place, and threw it blazing on the empty hearth. He watched it
thoughtfully until the greater part of the paper was consumed by the
flame, and then went back to his seat.
"My nephews, Lionel and Douglas Dale, shall divide the estate between
them," he thought. "I will send for my solicitor to-morrow, and make a
new will."
* * * * *
Victor Carrington sat in the servants' hall at Raynham until past
eleven o'clock. He had made himself quite at home with the domestics in
his assumed character. The women were delighted with the showy goods
which he carried in his pack, and which he sold them at prices far
below those of the best bargains they had ever made before.
At a few minutes after eleven he rose to bid them good night.
"I suppose I shall find the gates open?" he said.
"Yes; the gates of the court-yard are never locked till half-past
eleven," answered a sturdy old coachman.
The pedlar took his leave; but he did not go out by the court-yard.
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