"
"So I did--to Rio."
"Rio is a long way off,--somewhere across the equator, isn't it?"
"I believe it is."
"I think we'd better have it out clearly between us, Augustus. It won't
suit me to be at Rio Janeiro when our father dies."
"What difference will his death make to you?"
"A father's death generally does make a difference to his eldest son,
particularly if there is any property concerned."
"You mean to say that you intend to dispute the circumstances of your
birth?"
"Dispute them! Do you think that I will allow such a thing to be said of
my mother without disputing it? Do you suppose that I will give up my
claim to one of the finest properties in England without disputing it?"
"Then I had better stop the payment of that money, and let the gentlemen
know that you mean to raise the question on their behalf."
"That's your affair. The arrangement is a very good one for me; but you
made it."
"You know very well that your present threat means nothing. Ask Mr.
Grey. You can trust him."
"But I can't trust him. After having been so wickedly deceived by my own
father, I can trust no one. Why did not Mr. Grey find it out before, if
it be true? I give you my word, Augustus, the lawyers will have to fight
it out before you will be allowed to take possession.
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