clear that he could not run away and get back to his club by
the night mail train. He had duties there at the Hall, and these
duties were of a nature to make him almost regret the position in
which his father's will had placed him. Eventually he would gain some
considerable increase to his means, but the immediate effect would
be terribly troublesome. As he looked up at the melancholy pines
which were slowly waving their heads in the wind before the door
he declared to himself that he would sell his inheritance and his
executorship very cheaply, if such a sale were possible.

In the dining-room he found his sister alone. "Well, John," said she;
"well? How is it left?"

"Where is Kate?" he asked.

"She has gone out with her brother."

"Did he take his hat?"

"Oh, yes. He asked her to walk, and she went with him at once."

"Then, I suppose, he will tell her," said John Vavasor. After that
he explained the circumstances of the will to Mrs Greenow. "Bravo,"
exclaimed the widow. "I'm delighted. I love Kate dearly: and now she
can marry almost whom she pleases."

CHAPTER LVI

Another Walk on the Fells

George when he left the room in which he had insulted the lawyer,
went immediately across to the parlour in which his aunt and sister
were sitting. "Kate," said he, "put on your hat and come and walk
with me. That business is over." Kate's hat and shawl were in the
room, and they were out of the house together within a minute.

They walked down the carriage-road, through the desolate, untenanted
grounds, to the gate, before either of them spoke a word. Kate was
waiting for George to tell her of the will, but did not dare to ask
any question. George intended to tell her of the will, but was not
disposed to do so without some preparation. It was a thing not to be
spoken of open-mouthed, as a piece of ordinary news. "Which way shall
we go?" said Kate, as soon as they had passed through the old rickety
gate, which swung at the entrance of the place. "Up across the fell,"
said George; "the day is fine, and I want to get away from my uncle
for a time." She turned round, therefore, outside the hill of firs,
and led the way back to the beacon wood through which she and Alice
had walked across to Haweswater upon a memorable occasion. They
had reached the top of the beacon hill, and were out upon the Fell,
before George had begun his story. Kate was half beside herself with
curiosity, but still she was afraid to ask.