rland."

I then wished the gentleman farewell, and went home to my lodgings. I
had given him my address in case he wanted to see me before my
departure.

The next day I received a letter from Philip enclosing the one written
to him by this gentleman, whose name was Campbell, and who was a lawyer.
Philip told me what reply he had made to him, and congratulated me on
my accession to the title and estates. Almost an hour afterwards Mr
Campbell called upon me with Philip's letter, which he declared to be
highly satisfactory, and sufficient in any court of justice.

"But," said he, "I would wish to ask you a few particulars."

"And I also would wish to make a few inquiries, Mr Campbell. I have
heard your name in my youth, although I cannot recollect ever having
seen you."

"I was the confidential adviser of your father at one time, Sir,"
replied he, "but latterly all intercourse had ceased; it was not until
he was on his death-bed, and fully repented the foolish step which he
had taken, and the injustice he had been guilty of, that he sent for
me,--much to the annoyance of Lady Musgrave, who would have prevented me
from coming into the house even when I arrived, had it not been for the
servants, who disobeyed her."

"And my sisters, Sir, Janet and Mabel?"

"Are both well, and have grown up very fine girls. Your father
destroyed the deed by which Lady Musgrave was to have had a large
jointure upon the estate, and she is now entirely dependent upon you for
what she may receive. When do you expect to be able to come up from
Liverpool?"

"I can hardly say, but of course as soon as I can."

"Well, Sir, my own affairs will require my presence in the metropolis
for a month. In the mean time, although I should have preferred to have
gone down with you to Faristone Hall, and have at once put you in
possession, yet affairs may remain as they are (for everything is under
seal, and Lady Musgrave has been compelled to remove) till it suits your
convenience. I shall, however, write to let them know that you have
been found and will soon come down and take possession."

Mr Campbell then asked me a few questions, to which I replied
satisfactorily, and then for the first time he saluted me with my title,
saying, "Sir Alexander, I will now take my leave."

The next morning I set off on my journey, and travelled with as much
speed as the horses would permit. I arrived on the fifth day at Mr
Trevannion's seat, about nine m