"My advice--my advice!" exclaimed Carfax hastily. "I'm going to explain the reasons. Now, you won't understand, Brereton, but Miss Harborough, I think, will know what I mean, or she'll have some idea, when I say that this gentleman is now--now, mind you!--Mr. Wraythwaite of Wraye." Avice looked up quickly with evident comprehension, and the solicitor nodded. "You see--she knows," he went on, turning to Brereton. "At least, that conveys something to her. But it doesn't to you. Well, my dear sir, if you were a native of these parts it would. Wraye is one of the oldest and most historic estates between here and the Tweed--everybody knows Wraye. And everybody knows too that there has been quite a romance about Wraye for some time--since the last Wraythwaite died, in fact. That Wraythwaite was a confirmed old bachelor. He lived to a great age--he outlived all his brothers and sisters, of whom he'd had several. He left quite a tribe of nephews and nieces, who were distributed all over the world. Needless to say, there was vast bother and trouble. Finally, one of the nephews made a strong claim to the estate, as being the eldest known heir. And he was until recently in good trim for establishing his claim, when my client here arrived on the scene. For he is the eldest nephew--he is the rightful heir--and I am thankful to say that--only within this last day or two--his claim has been definitely recognized and established, and all without litigation. Everything," continued Carfax, again rubbing his hands with great satisfaction, "everything is now all right, and Mr. Wraythwaite of Wraye will take his proper and rightful place amongst his own people." "I'm exceedingly glad to hear it," said Brereton, with a smile at the big man, who continued to watch Avice as if his thoughts were with her rather than with his solicitor's story. "But--you'll understand that I'd like to know how all this affects my client?" "Ye--yes!" said Mr. Wraythwaite, hastily. "Tell Mr. Brereton, Carfax--never mind me and my affairs--get on to poor Harborough."