o-morrow by going
to Doctors' Commons. I think I may venture to assure the executrix,
that she will run no risk in allowing you to take any sum of money you
may require from the balance in the bank, as soon as the will is proved,
which had better be done to-morrow, if it suits Mademoiselle de
Chatenoeuf."

"Certainly," replied I; "I am anxious to get rid of my trust as soon as
possible, and give Mr Dempster possession. There is a tin box of
papers, Mr Selwyn, which I cannot get at till the return of Lady R--'s
maid, as the keys are with Lady R--'s effects which she is bringing home
with her."

"Yes, they will no doubt be important," replied Mr Selwyn: "and now,
Mr Dempster, if you are in want of any ready cash, I shall be your
banker with pleasure till you can have possession of your own."

"I thank you, sir, I am not in want of any," replied Lionel, "for the
present; but, as soon as I may be permitted to have money from the bank
I shall be glad, as it is not my intention to remain in England."

"Indeed!" exclaimed I.

"No, Mademoiselle Valerie," said Lionel. "I am but too well aware of
many deficiencies which must arise from the position I have been so long
in, not to wish to remedy them as soon as possible, and, before I appear
as the heir of Lady R--, it is my intention, as soon as I can, to go to
Paris, and remain there for two years, or, perhaps, until I am of age;
and I think in that time to improve myself, and make myself more what
the son of Colonel Dempster should be. I am young yet, and capable of
instruction."

"You propose a very proper step, Mr Dempster," said Mr Selwyn; "and
during your absence all legal proceedings will be over, and, if the
whole affair is made public, it will be forgotten again by the time that
you propose to return. I am sure that the executrix will be most happy
to forward such very judicious arrangements. I will now take my leave,
and beg Mademoiselle de Chatenoeuf to meet me at Doctors' Commons at
three o'clock to-morrow; that will give me time to look for Colonel
Dempster's will. Good-morning, mademoiselle; good-morning, Mr
Dempster."

Mr Selwyn went out, and left us alone.

"May I ask, Miss Valerie, whether you have left Lady M--?"

"Yes," replied I; and I told him what had passed, adding, "I stay here
for a night or two, and shall go then to Madame Gironac's."

"Why not stay here altogether? I hope you will. I shall go abroad as
soon as possible."

"Yes, an