He stopped suddenly, while a shudder shook him, and Editha, not understanding his last words, feared his mind was wandering. Presently, however, he resumed: “But what I wanted to tell you was this: Since Earle’s misfortune I have planned to do something for him as soon as his time expires. He will be fitted for the bar by that time if he follows the course I have marked out for him, and I intended offering him a partnership with me; or, in case he did not feel like remaining here, giving him something handsome with which to start life somewhere else. But I can do neither now—I cannot even add a codicil to my will, as I would like to do, in his favor, I am so helpless;” and he glanced down at his palsied hands with a heavy sigh. “That is just like you, Uncle Richard; but he can have the money even if you are not able to change your will,” Editha said, in a glad tone. “Yes, that is what I want; when he comes out from that dismal place he will feel as if every man’s hand is against him, and I want him to be independent until he can win his way and establish himself somewhere. I want you, Editha, to give him ten thousand dollars; I shall leave you a very handsome fortune, dear—more than a hundred and fifty thousand, and you will not miss that sum.” “No, indeed! Earle shall have twice that, if you would like. I do not need so much money, for I have papa to take care of _me_, you know.” Richard Forrester’s lips curled slightly at her last words. No one knew better than he _how_ Sumner Dalton had been able to provide as handsomely as he had for his family during the past years. But he said, positively: “No, Editha, just ten thousand and no more; and, if he is the man I think he is, he will double it himself in a little while. Earle Wayne will make a noble man, but—there is some mystery connected with his early life.” “A mystery! Of what nature?” “I do not know; he would not tell me, and that business of his that he went to transact on the day before the robbery, you remember, he said was connected with his past, and he would not reveal it; and that was one reason why the trial went against him.” “Yes, I remember; and I have often wondered what it could be,” the young girl answered, thoughtfully. “You are perfectly willing that he should have a portion of your fortune?” he asked, regarding her intently. “Not only willing, but very _glad_, Uncle Richard,” she replied, heartily. He heaved a sigh of relief, as if that was a burden off his mind. “He could not legally claim anything, even if he knew of my wish to give him this, because my will leaves you everything but you will settle upon him this amount as soon as his time is out?” “Yes, I promise you that I will do _exactly_ as you wish; and, Uncle Richard,” she added, with a little smile, “you know that you have always taught me that I must keep my promises.”