"I mean in this, my cause. I require some solicitor to take it up at once, and serve a notice of ejectment on Squire Carr, from the possession of the property he has assumed. I suppose that would be the first legal step; but you will know what to do better than I. As the many years solicitor to my grandfather, I thought you might perhaps have no objection to become mine." "I have no objection in the world," said Mr. Fauntleroy. "But, my good sir--and this, mind you, is disinterested advice--I would recommend you to pause before you enter on any such contest. There's not a shadow of chance that the property can be wrested from Squire Carr, so long as your father's marriage remains a doubt. It is his by law." "I do not think there is a shadow of doubt that the proofs of the marriage will be found, and speedily. I go up to London to search. Meanwhile you will be so kind as act just as you would act were the proofs in your hand. I will not allow Squire Carr to retain, by ever so short a time, the property unmolested, or to fancy he retains it," continued the young man, in some emotion. "Every hour that he does so is a reflection on my mother's name." "But--yes, that's all very well, very dutiful--but where's the use of entering on a contest certain to be lost?" "It is certain to be gained; I know the proofs will be forthcoming." "The most prudent plan will be to wait until they are," returned the lawyer. He was not usually so considerate for his clients; but this, as he looked upon it, was a hopeless case, one that nobody, many degrees removed from a fool, would venture upon. "No," said Robert Carr, "I will not wait a day. Be so kind as take proper steps at once, Mr. Fauntleroy." "Very well; if you insist upon it. It will cost money, you know." "That shall be placed in your hands as soon as I can send the necessary instructions to Rotterdam. What sum shall you require?" "Oh, suppose you let me have fifty pounds at first. Before that's expended, perhaps--perhaps some decision may have been come to." Had Mr. Fauntleroy spoken the words on his tongue, they would have run, "perhaps you will have come to your senses." "I will spare no expense on this cause; any money you want, you shall have, only my right must be maintained against the other branch of the family. Do you understand me, Mr. Fauntleroy?" "I do; and I must ask you to understand me, and to remember later that I did not advise this. If the proofs of the marriage shall come to light, why, then of course the tables will be turned." "By the way," said Robert Carr, "I have never asked what amount of money my grandfather has left?" "Not much less than the value of twenty thousand pounds, taking it in the aggregate. He did not live up to his income, and it accumulated. There are several houses; the one he resided in is a beautiful little place. You have not been inside it?"