hen he served me in his
menial capacity, and certainly was much more intimate with him than I
ever thought I could be with a servant. At all events, his education
has not been neglected."

"Strange! very strange!" observed Mr Selwyn, "this is a curious world;
but I fear that his history cannot be kept altogether a secret, for you
must recollect, mademoiselle, that his father's property must be
claimed, and no doubt it will be disputed. I must go to Doctor's
Commons and search out the will at once of Colonel Dempster; he intends,
as I presume he does by what he said just now, to employ me. After all,
it will, if known, be but a nine days' wonder, and do him no harm, for
he proves his birth by his appearance, and his breeding is so innate as
to have conquered all his disadvantages."

"When I knew him as a servant, I thought him an intelligent and witty
lad, but I never could have believed that he would have become so
improved in such a short time: not only his manners, but his language is
so different."

"It was _in_ him," replied Mr Selwyn; "as a domestic the manners and
language of a gentleman would have been out of place, and he did not
attempt them; now that he knows his position, he has called them forth.
We must find out this Mrs Green, and have her testimony as soon as
possible. Of course, after the deposition of old Roberts, Sir Thomas
Moystyn will not be surprised when I communicate to him the confession
of Lady R--, and the disposition of her property. In fact, the only
difficulty will be in the recovery of the property of his father,
Colonel Dempster, and--"

A knock at the street door announced the return of Lionel. When he
entered the room, Mr Selwyn said, "Mr Dempster, that you are the
nephew of Lady R--, to whom she has bequeathed her property, and what
was your own, is sufficiently established in my opinion. I will,
therefore, with your permission, read her ladyship's will."

Lionel took a seat, and the will was read. When it was finished, Mr
Selwyn said, "Having been Lady R--'s legal adviser for many years I am
able to tell you, within a trifle, what property you will receive.
There are 57000 three per cents; this house and furniture, which I
purchased the lease of for her, and which is only saddled with a
ground-rent for the next forty years; and I find, a balance of 1200
pounds at the banker's. Your father's property, Mr Dempster, of
course, I know nothing about, but will ascertain this t