"And so I would tell you if I knew it, Frank. I do not think Francis mentioned to me that you would come in for anything. I feel sure, if he had done so, I should remember it." "That's awkward," mused Frank, thoughtfully balancing the paper-knife he had caught up from the table. "I wonder he did not tell you, Uncle Hugh." "To say the truth, so do I," replied Dr. Raynor. "It would have been good news: and he knows that I am equally interested with himself in the welfare of Henry's orphan son. Are you sure, Frank, that you are making no mistake in this?" "I don't think I am. I was staying at Spring Lawn when the major came home from Aunt Atkinson's after her husband's death, and he brought her will with him. He was telling us all about it--that Eagles' Nest was to be his, and that there were several legacies to different people, and he turned to me and said, 'You come in for a good slice, Frank.' I recollect it all, sir, as though it had taken place yesterday." "Did he mention how much the 'slice' was?" "No, he did not. And I did not like to ask him." There was a pause. Dr. Raynor began putting the papers straight on the table, his usual custom before retiring for the night. Frank had apparently fallen into a reverie. "Uncle Hugh," he cried, briskly, lifting his head, his face glowing with some idea, his frank blue eyes bright with it, "if you can spare me for a couple of days, I will go to Spring Lawn and ask Uncle Francis. I should like to be at some certainty in the matter." "I could spare you, Frank: there's nothing particular on hand that I cannot attend to myself for that short time. But----" "Thank you, Uncle Hugh," interrupted Frank, impetuously. "Then suppose I start to-morrow morning?" "But--I was about to inquire--what is it that has put all this into your head so suddenly?" Frank's eager eyes, raised to the doctor's face, fell at the question. A half-conscious smile parted his lips. "There's no harm, sir, in trying to plan out one's future." "None in the world, Frank. I only ask the reason for your setting about it in this--as it seems to me--sudden manner." "Well--you know, Uncle Hugh--I--I may be marrying some time." "And you have been fixing on the lady, I see, Frank!" A broad smile now shone upon Frank's face. He was sending the paper-knife round in circles on the table, with rather an unnecessary noise. Dr. Raynor's thoughts were going hither and thither; he could not recall any individual in the neighbourhood of Trennach likely to be honoured by Frank's choice. In an instant an idea flashed over him--an idea that he did not like. "Frank! can it be that you are thinking of one of the Miss St. Clares?" "And if I were, sir?" "Then--I fear--that there may be trouble in store for you," said the doctor, gravely. "Mrs. St. Clare would never sanction it." "But she has sanctioned it, Uncle Hugh. She sanctions it every day of her life." "Has she told you so?"