say a word! I don't like being contradicted!--not at all! It sends one round on the other tack, I tell you--and there's my gout coming! Only mind this: if once you say who you are as long as you're at college, or before I give you leave, I have done with you. I won't have any little plan of mine forestalled for your vanity! Don't any of you say who he is. It will be better for him--much. If it be but hinted who he is, he'll be courted and flattered, and then he'll be stuck up, and take to spending money! But as sure as hell, if he goes beyond his allowance--well, I'll pay it, but it shall be his last day at Oxford. He shall go at once into the navy--or the excise, by George!” This expression of the baronet's will, if not quite to the satisfaction of every one concerned, was altogether delightful to Richard. “May I say one word, sir?” he asked. “Yes, if it's not arguing.” “I've not read a page of Latin since I left school, and I never knew any Greek.” “Oh! ah! I forgot that predicament! You must have a tutor to prepare you!--but you shall go to Oxford with him. I will _not_ have you loafing about here! You may remain with your grandfather till I find one, but you're not to come near Mortgrange.” “I may go to London with my mother, may I not?” said Richard. “I see nothing against that. It will be the better way.” “If you please, sir Wilton,” said Mrs. Tuke, “I left evidence at Mortgrange of what I should have to say.” “What sort of evidence?” “Things that belonged to the child and myself.” “Where?” “Hid in the nursery.” “My lady had everything moved, and the room fresh-papered after you left. I remember that distinctly.” “Did she say nothing about finding anything?” “Nothing.--Of course she wouldn't!” “I left a box of my own, with--” “You'll never see it again.” “The things the child always wore when he went out, were under the wardrobe.” “Oblige me by saying nothing about them. I am perfectly satisfied, and believe every word you say. I believe Richard there the child of your sister Robina and myself; and it shall not be my fault if he don't have his rights! At the same time I promise nothing, and will manage things as I see best.” “At your pleasure, sir!” answered Mrs. Tuke. “Should you mind, sir, if I went to see Mr. Wingfold before I go?” asked Richard. “Who's he?” “The clergyman of the next parish, sir.” “I don't know him--don't want to know him!--What have you got to do with _him_?” “He was kind to me when I was down here before.” “I don't care you should have much to do with the clergy.” “You said, sir, I might go into the church!” “_That's_ another thing quite! You would have the thing in your own hands then!” Richard was silent. There was no point to argue. The moment sir Wilton was gone, Simon turned to his grandson. “It was a pity you asked him about Mr. Wingfold. The only thing is you mustn't let out his secret. As to seeing Mr. Wingfold, or Miss Wylder either, just do as you please.”