"You may think me harsh and severe," he said, gravely; "but the resolution which I announced to you in Arlington Street cost me much thought and care. I believe that I have acted for the best. I think that my over-indulgence was the bane of your youth, Reginald, and that you would have been a better man had you been more roughly reared. Since you have left the army, I have heard no more of your follies; and I trust that you have at last struck out a better path for yourself, and separated yourself from all dangerous associates. But you must choose a new profession. You must not live an idle life on the small income which you receive from me. I only intended that annuity as a safeguard against poverty, not as a sufficient means of life. You must select a new career, Reginald; and whatever it may be, I will give you some help to smooth your pathway. Your first cousin, Douglas Dale, is studying for the law--would not that profession suit you?" "I am in your hands, sir, and am ready to obey you in everything." "Well, think over what I have said; and if you choose to enter yourself as a student in the Temple, I will assist you with all necessary funds." "My dear uncle, you are too good." "I wish to serve you as far as I can with justice to others. And now, Reginald, we will speak no more of the past. What do you think of my wife?" "She is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld." "And she is as good and true as she is beautiful--a pearl of price, Reginald. I thank Providence for giving me so great a treasure." "And this treasure will be possessor of Raynham Castle, I suppose," thought the young man, savagely. Sir Oswald spoke presently, almost as if in answer to his nephew's thoughts. "As I have been thoroughly candid with you, Reginald," he said, "I may as well tell you even more. I am at an age which some call the prime of life, and I feel all my old vigour. But death sometimes comes suddenly to men whose life seems as full of promise as mine seems to me now. I wish that when I die there may be no possible disappointment as to the disposal of my fortune. Other men make a mystery of the contents of their wills. I wish the terms of my will to be known by all interested in it." "I have no desire to be enlightened, sir," murmured Reginald, who felt that his uncle's words boded no good to himself.