o inform you that we shall not let this
matter rest, but shall apply to the court to allow the copy of
the will to be put in for probate; if that is refused, for
authorization to make a closer search of the Hall than we have
hitherto been able to do, supporting our demand with affidavits
made by the Rev. Mr. Withers and ourselves of our knowledge that,
the late Mr. Penfold was accustomed to keep documents in some
secret receptacle. In the second place, we are glad to inform you
that the annual sum paid by us into the Kentish bank to your
credit will not be affected by the loss of the will; for at the
time when that payment first commenced, Mr. Penfold signed a deed
making this payment a first charge on the rents of two of his
farms during your lifetime. This assignment was of a binding
character, and of course continues to hold good. We shall consider
it our duty to acquaint you from time to time with the course of
proceedings in the matter of the late Mr. Penfold's will."

Little as Mrs. Conway had thought of herself from the time when she
first heard that the will was missing, the news that her income would
remain unchanged delighted her. She had formed no plans for herself,
but had vaguely contemplated the necessity of giving up her house as
soon as it was decided that the will could not be found, selling her
furniture, and for the present taking a small lodging. She was glad
that there would be no occasion for this; but very much more glad that
she should be able now to make Ralph an allowance of seventy or eighty
pounds a year, which would make all the difference between his living
comfortably and being obliged to pinch himself in every way to subsist
upon his pay. It would also enable her to carry out without difficulty
any plans she might determine upon.

Upon the receipt of the letter announcing Mr. Penfold's death, she had
written to Ralph telling him of it, but saying nothing about Mr.
Tallboys' visit to the Withers, or his report that he was unable to
find the will. She now wrote to him relating the whole circumstances.
He had not previously known Mr. Penfold's intention to make him his
heir, being only told that he intended to push his way in life, and
had considered that the promise was carried out by his obtaining him a
commission and arranging some allowance. His mother was glad of this
now.

"Of course the loss of Mr. Penfold's will, my boy,