“Allow me to congratulate you on your good fortune, the news of which followed close upon the intimation of my poor brother’s death. I can safely say that there is no one in whose hands I would sooner see the family estates than yours. I contracted a very warm affection for you during my last visit to England, and that feeling has not diminished with time. But you must change your name, my dear boy. I know that you are a St. George at heart, and you must be one in name also. However, that is one of the things that we can discuss fully when I see you again. Please Heaven, that will be before either you or I are many months older. “Yes, my dear nephew, it is even so. The old horse is nearly worn out at last. People begin to whisper that he is no longer equal to his work; and although the sound of the trumpet and the clash of arms have still their old charm for his ears, the day must shortly come when he will hear them for the last time. In brief, Lionel, putting aside what other people may think, I feel myself that I am getting creaky and out of repair, and a great longing has come over me to spend the few remaining days that may be left me somewhere near the dear old homestead where I first drew breath. “I will write you full particulars in a week or two. Your brother Richard is in good health, and is prospering. I had a letter from him only a few days ago. As things have turned out, it is perhaps quite as well that he came out to India instead of you. “Your affectionate uncle, “Lionel St. George.” “He shall live with us at Park Newton,” said Lionel to himself as he folded up the letter. “It will be like finding a second father to have dear old Uncle Lionel come and share our home.” A few days later Lionel received a note from Tom Bristow. It was addressed to Gatehouse Farm, and had been sent from thence to Park Newton, Tom not having heard of Lionel’s change of fortune. It was dated from Egypt, and was written with Tom’s usual brevity. “Health much improved. Hope to be back in England in about three months from now. Shall take early opportunity of looking you up. The dear old days at the farm are not forgotten.” That was nearly all. “He will be here in time for the wedding,” said Lionel, as he read the note. “I should like Tom Bristow to be my best man on that important occasion.”