its object. The man was directed to inform
his master, that Sir Reginald Wychecombe was in possession of facts
that, in his opinion, justified the course he was taking, and if "Mr.
Thomas Wychecombe" did not choose to appear, in order to look after his
own interests, he should proceed without him. This brought Tom into the
room, his face pale with uncertainty, rather than with grief, and his
mind agitated with such apprehensions as are apt to beset even the most
wicked, when they take their first important step in evil. He bowed,
however, to the company with an air that he intended to represent the
manner of a well-bred man acknowledging his duties to respected guests.

"If I appear remiss in any of the duties of a host, gentlemen," he said,
"you will overlook it, I trust, in consideration of my present feelings.
Sir Wycherly was my father's elder brother, and was very dear, as he was
very _near_ to me. By this melancholy death, Sir Reginald, I am suddenly
and unexpectedly elevated to be the head of our ancient and honourable
family; but I know my own personal unworthiness to occupy that
distinguished place, and feel how much better it would be filled by
yourself. Although the law has placed a wide and impassable barrier
between all of your branch of the family and ourselves, I shall ever be
ready to acknowledge the affinity, and to confess that it does us quite
as much honour as it bestows."

Sir Reginald, by a great effort, commanded himself so far as to return
the bow, and apparently to receive the condescending admissions of the
speech, with a proper degree of respect.

"Sir, I thank you," he answered, with formal courtesy; "no affinity that
can be properly and legally established, will ever be disavowed by me.
Under present circumstances, however, summoned as I have been to the
side of his death-bed, by the late Sir Wycherly, himself, and named by
him, as one might say, with his dying breath, as his executor, I feel it
a duty to inquire into the rights of all parties, and, if possible, to
ascertain who is the successor, and consequently who has the best claim
to command here."

"You surely do not attach any validity, Sir Reginald, to the pretended
will that was so singularly drawn up in my dear uncle's presence, an
hour before he died! Had that most extraordinary instrument been duly
signed and sealed, I cannot think that the Doctor's Commons would
sustain it; but _unsigned_ and _unsealed_, it is no better than