“Am I not lucky? I feared at first lest this generous bequest should involve my living in Germany, perhaps looking after landed estate or farming country property (which is not at all in my line, my dear Ricardo, as you are aware). But no! Even here, I am fortunate, as the greater part of the legacy is in hard cash, and the houses can readily be disposed of. I am free, therefore, to do as I like and live where I choose, and all my wishes tend towards London, the grandest city in the world. You may expect, therefore, before very long, to see me again. “I shall take a house in Town, and collect around me all those whom I love, or take an interest in. And for the future, I shall resume my right of writing ‘von’ before my name, which I dropped when I entered on my duties at the Hospital. Ah! those dreary days and sleepless nights! Thank Heaven! they are over for ever! I can, at least, live the remainder of my life as best pleases myself. But I can never, never, under any circumstances, forget my very best friend, and you know what his name is, without my telling you. “The first place I visit on my return, will be the little cottage at Hampstead, when, tell Mrs. Ricardo, I shall expect her to brew the very best cup of tea of which she is capable, in honour of my uncle’s fortune and title. “Ever yours, with warm affection, “Karl von Steinberg.” The Professor read this letter to himself--then aloud to Hannah--finally laying it down upon the table with a deep sigh. “Ain’t you glad?” demanded his wife, shrewdly regarding the old man, “the Doctor’ll ’ave a fine ’ouse now, and everythink of the best, and that’s as good as saying as you’ll ’ave it,--and me, too, eh?” “I don’t know, Hannah,” he replied; “when men grow rich, they are too often apt to forget their poorer friends. Besides, Von Steinberg’s fortune will attract people of equal position round his table, and we are not fit to associate with such.” “Why not?” asked Hannah, broadly. She had a household broom in her hands at the time, and she leant her chin upon the handle, and stared the Professor well in the face. “Why ain’t we as good as any other of ’is friends--let them be who they may?” she asked, fixing her large eyes upon him. “Well! my dear, it is rather unnecessary to put such a question,” replied Ricardo, “money makes money, you know, and we have none. Karl will have a grand house, doubtless, and give big parties, and rich and titled people will attend them--people with whom you and I have nothing to do! He is not only rich, you see! He is no longer a doctor, but a Baron, and can hold his own with any one in the land.” “Ain’t a Markiss higher than a Baron?” demanded Hannah, and her husband, not dreaming in what direction the conversation was tending, answered gravely, “Why! of course!”