"You've got her to think about too, sir," said Humphrey, "same as I have. Oh no, Master Richard, it wouldn't never, never do." "Come up to the house, Humphrey--come up to the house." And then, without another word, but closely followed by his late servant, Richard strode hastily through the wood, whose briars and twigs in the unaccustomed path seemed now to take the part of fate, and lashed and tore him in his reckless passage, till his face was smeared with the blood which he had wiped hastily away. "Has Mrs Lloyd come back from her walk?" said Richard to the staring footman. "Yes, sir, two hours ago," said the man. "Go into the study, Humphrey Trevor," said Richard, quietly; and then to himself, "Poor woman! and it was done for me." Volume 2, Chapter XX. IN TRANSITION. It was a hard fight, and the temptation was strong upon him to hide the truth. Humphrey would be content--he did not want to take his place; and he sat opposite to him now in the study, upon the very edge of the chair. Oh, it was ridiculous that he should have to give the place up to such a man--one whom he had to order before he could get him to sit down in his presence. And even when he felt that his mind was made up, and he was stoically determined to do that which was right, the rightful heir would keep upsetting his plans. "You see, it would be so foolish, Master Dick." "I can't help that, Humphrey. You must have your rights. I will not be a party to the imposture." "Hadn't you better see a lawyer about it all?" To be sure. There was Pratt--a barrister--he might give good advice. Richard rang the bell and a servant came. "Ask Mr Pratt to be kind enough to step here." "If you please, sir, Mr Pratt's gone, sir. I put his letter on your table. Yes, there it is, sir." Richard started. "The rats desert the sinking ship," he muttered; and then blushed for his doubt of his friend. "When did he go?" "Hour ago, sir. Telegraph come from Saint Kitt's, sir; and he wrote that letter, sir, for you, while they got the dogcart ready to take him to the station." "That will do." He tore open the letter, which enclosed the telegram from a friend in chambers-- "Come directly. A good brief for you. Don't lose the chance." The hastily-scrawled letter was as follows:-- "Dear Dick,--Don't blame me for going. I must take work when it comes; and honestly, for reasons I can't explain, I am glad to go.-- Yours, F.P." "Must be genuine," thought Richard. "Well, it has happened at a good time. I'm glad he has gone." Then a thought struck him. He and Humphrey might divide the estate. But, no, he drove it away; he would be honest. "Shall I go over to Saint Kitt's and fetch Mr Lawyer Dancer, sir?" said Humphrey.