“And, had it not been for some mysterious quarrel that took place between my uncle and my cousin, Kester St. George would undoubtedly at this moment have been the owner of Park Newton.” “What you say seems only too probable,” said the vicar. “And yet I always looked upon Mr. St. George as one of the most conscientious of men, as he was, undoubtedly, one of the most charitable.” “A pity that in this case his charity did not begin nearer home,” said Lionel. “That must have been a terrible quarrel,” he added presently, “which could induce my uncle to alter the determination of a lifetime, and leave the property away from my cousin.” “True,” said the vicar. “I have often wondered of what nature it could be. But Mr. St. George never spoke of it to any one. He was a very close man in many ways.” There was much food for thought in what Mr. Wharton had just told Lionel. “My grandfather intended me to have Park Newton, and I’ve got it,” he said to himself, after the vicar had gone. “But it was also his wish that Kester should have two or three thousand a year out of the estate. I’ll write to Perrins to know how it can be done.” Mr. Perrins had gone back to London a few hours previously. Lionel wrote to him by that night’s post. Next morning but one he had the following answer: “By the terms, of your uncle’s will and codicil you have no power to make any such allowance out of the estate as the one suggested by you. You can, of course, make any allowance you may please, and to anybody, privately, and as a gift out of your own pocket; but it is not competent for you to burden the estate with any charge of such a nature.” Would his cousin accept three thousand a year from him as a gift? It was a delicate proposition to put to a man circumstanced as was Kester St. George. Lionel had not been many days at Park Newton when he was called upon by Mr. Cope, the banker, with whom came Mr. Culpepper of Pincote. Mr. Cope was the senior partner in the firm of Sugden and Co., the well-known, bankers of Duxley. The late Mr. St. George had had an account with the firm for twenty years, which account Mr. Cope was desirous of still retaining on his books, with nothing but a simple alteration of the customer’s name. Squire Culpepper was a friend of Mr. Cope, and had been an intimate friend of Mr. St. George; consequently, it was only natural that he and the banker should drive over to Park Newton together. Lionel gave them a hearty welcome. The banker was successful in the particular object of his visit, and was further gratified by Lionel’s acceptance of an invitation to dine with him, en famille, the following day. “Pincote ought by rights to have been your first place of call,” said Mr. Culpepper to Lionel as he was bidding him goodbye. “But Cope here has stolen a march on me, as usual. However, I’ll forgive him if you’ll come and see us at Pincote before this day week.” Lionel laughed and promised.