"'Welcome, Sir Henry! From the answer your mother returned to my request, this was a happiness, with which I dared not flatter myself: nor could I, as she desired, transmit what I had to impart, in writing. The urgency of the moment must prevent my dwelling on particulars:--take this packet, my Henry; given to my care, by your deceased father, to be delivered to you, on your attaining your one-and-twentieth year, or before if occasion required.--Keep it carefully from the knowledge of your mother; the contents will explain the reason, and in part account for her late conduct: for, the will she produced was forged!--the real one if not destroyed, you will find in the closet of the secret apartment: your father, Sir Henry, left you the undivided possession of his fortune!' "These were nearly the last words he pronounced, as he expired in less than an hour after. "I wonder not, my Eliza, at your tears; and a richer offering than those which spring from filial affection, cannot ascend to the throne of mercy! "I shall pass over the distress of our friends at this juncture; your own hearts may best do justice to their feelings. It was late in the evening, when I slowly directed my steps to the Hall; where I immediately retired to my own room; but, a few minutes after, was summoned to attend my mother in the apartment where my father died. "I obeyed.--But ah, who can paint the rage with which she addressed me! After upbraiding me for leaving the Hall, she demanded for what Blond had so earnestly desired to see me? "'Your own heart, Madam,' I replied, 'may best answer that question. The will produced, he says, was not that of my father.' "'Insolence unparalleled!' she exclaimed. 'Know, Sir, the estates and property I hold, were bequeathed me by Sir Horace. Your father for years supported his vagrant sister, and thereby forfeited them to me!' "'It is strange then, Lady Corbet,' I replied, 'you did not exert your right during the life of my father; and not make him will them to you after his decease: but you mistake, Madam; my father never afforded my aunt the least pecuniary assistance, nor can you prove it. Her maintenance has been at the hand of Blond: he was not forbidden to succour a sister, though my father was.--Why are you agitated, Madam?--Is there not wealth enough for both, without using illegal means to enrich yourself: or did my mother think her Henry needed the severity she has this day shown, to induce his assent to her enjoying the whole of his fortune, had she wished it?' "I took her hand; but, casting me from her, she said with increasing agitation--'The severity you complain of, boy! is nothing to what you shall experience for this behaviour! From these windows you cannot escape; this room is your prison; and here you may ruminate, and learn to dread the anger of your mother!'