The day so often in Wingfold's thought, arrived at last--the anniversary of the death of sir Wilton. He rose early, his mind anxious, and his heart troubled that his mind should be anxious, and set out for London by the first train. Arrived; he sought at once the office of sir Wilton's lawyer, and when at last Mr. Bell appeared, begged him to witness the opening of the packet. Mr. Bell broke the seal himself, read the baronet's statement of the request he had made to Wingfold, and then opened the enclosed packet. “A most irregular proceeding!” he exclaimed--as well he might: his late client had committed to the keeping of the clergyman of another parish, the will signed and properly witnessed, which Mr. Bell had last drawn up for him, and of which, as it was nowhere discoverable, he had not doubted the destruction! Here it was, devising and bequeathing his whole property, real and personal, exclusive only of certain legacies of small account, to Richard Lestrange, formerly known as Richard Tuke, reputed son of John and Jane Tuke, born Armour, but in reality sole son of Wilton Arthur Lestrange, of Mortgrange and Cinqmer, Baronet, and Robina Armour his wife, daughter of Simon Armour, Blacksmith, born in lawful wedlock in the house of Mortgrange, in the year 18--!--and so worded, at the request of sir Wilton, that even should the law declare him supposititious, the property must yet be his! “This will be a terrible blow to that proud woman!” said Mr. Bell. “You must prepare her for the shock!” “Prepare lady Ann!” exclaimed Wingfold. “Believe me, she is in no danger! An earthquake would not move her.” “I must see her lawyer at once!” said Mr. Bell, rising. “Let me have the papers, please,” said Wingfold. “Sir Wilton did not tell me to bring them to you. I must take them to sir Richard.” “Then you do not wish me to move in the matter?” “I shall advise sir Richard to put the affair in your hands; but he must do it; I have not the power.” “You are very right. I shall be here till five o'clock.” “I hope to be with you long before that!” It took Wingfold an hour to find Richard. He heard the news without a word, but his eyes flashed, and Wingfold knew he thought of Barbara and his mother and the Mansons. Then his face clouded. “It will bring trouble on the rest of my father's family!” he said. “Not upon all of them,” returned Wingfold; “and you have it in your power to temper the trouble. But I beg you will not be hastily generous, and do what you may regret, finding it for the good of none.” “I will think well before I do anything,” answered Richard. “But there may be another will yet!” “Of course there may! No one can tell. In the meantime we must be guided by appearances. Come with me to Mr. Bell.” “I must see my mother first.”