what could he really do in the way of
effective supervision of his agent? A little tact, a little prudent
maneuvering; some money here, possibly out of his, Faversham's, own
pocket; judicious temporizing there; white lying when necessary--a
certain element of intrigue in Faversham rose to the business with
alacrity. In the pride of his young brain and his recovered strength he
did not regard it as possible that he should fail in it. After all, the
law was now squeezing Melrose; and might be gently and invisibly
assisted. If, as to the will itself, his lips were sealed, it would be
possible to give some hint to Lydia, for friendship to interpret; to
plead with her for patience, in view of the powers, the beneficent
powers, that must be his--aye and hers--the darling!--some day.

The thought of them was intoxicating! A man to whom wealth had always
appeared as the only gate of opportunity, was now to be rich beyond the
utmost dream of his ambition. The world lay at his feet. He would use it
well; he would do all things honourably. Ease, travel, a political
career, wide influence, the possession of beautiful things--in a very
short time they would all be in his grasp; for Melrose was near his end.
Some difficulty first, but not too much; the struggle that leads to the
prize!

As he softly let himself in at the side door of the Tower, and mounted to
his new room, his whole nature was like a fiercely sped arrow, aflight
for its goal. Of what obstacles might lie between him and his goal he had
ceased to take account. Compunctions had disappeared.

Only--once--as he stood dreamily looking round the strange bedroom to
which his personal possessions had been transferred, an image crossed his
mind which was disagreeable. It was that of Nash, the shady solicitor in
Pengarth, Melrose's factotum in many disreputable affairs, and his agent
in the ruin of the Brands. A little reptile if ever there was one!
Faversham had come across the creature a good deal since his appointment
as agent; and was well aware that he had excited Nash's jealousy and
dislike. A man to be guarded against no doubt; but what could he do?
Faversham contemptuously dismissed the thought of him.

A charming old room!--though the height and the dark tone of the oak
panelling sucked all the light from his pair of candles. That would be
altered as soon as the electric installation, for which Melrose had just
signed the contract, was complete. In the centre of the