candles forward in front of the parchment.

The young man shifted his position uneasily, and drew in his breath
quickly as he thought of the testator's immense wealth, and glanced at
Katrine.

"I shall not get all," he thought, "for he will leave something to Paul
Capel."

Then, after what seemed an age of suspense, the old solicitor went on:

"The sum of one hundred pounds, free of duty, to buy mourning."

There was a death-like stillness as the lawyer paused.

"Go on, sir, go on," cried Artis, in a harsh voice.

"To Lydia Alicia--"

"No, no, finish the bequest to me."

"I did, sir. One hundred pounds to buy mourning."

"What? Treat me worse than his servants?"

"I believe, Mr Artis, if you will excuse me, that a testator has a
perfect right to do what he likes with his own."

"Then you influenced him," cried Artis furiously. "I shall dispute the
will."

The old gentleman smiled.

"Influenced my old friend to leave me his signet ring, eh, Mr Artis?
No, sir, the will was written by Colonel Capel himself, and afterwards
transferred to parchment. If you will allow me. I will proceed."

"I shall dispute the will. I say so at once," cried Artis, "that there
may be no mistake. One hundred pounds each to Miss D'Enghien and
myself! It is absurd, paltry, pitiful."

"You never saw the testator, Mr Artis?"

"No, sir."

"Neither did you, Miss D'Enghien?"

"I? Oh no."

"He told me himself," continued the old lawyer, "that he had never seen
either Miss Lawrence or Mr Paul Capel."

Lydia murmured an assent.

"No," said Capel, who felt a curious oppression at the chest, "I never
saw my great uncle. I never even heard from or wrote to him."

"May I ask why?"

"I knew he was reported to be immensely rich, and--well, I felt that he
might think I was trying to curry favour."

"Let me see, Mr Artis, I think the deceased did pay your debts?"

"Is this meant for an insult, sir?"

"No, sir; it was a business-like defence of my old friend's memory. To
proceed:--

"To Lydia Alicia Lawrence, my grand-niece, twenty-five thousand pounds,
free of duty, the same to be invested in Consols, and if she marries, to
be secured by marriage settlements to herself and children."

There was a buzz of congratulation here, as the old solicitor once more
wiped his glasses and arranged them and the candles, while, in spite of
his endeavours to preserve his calmness, Paul Capel, the only one
present yet unmentione