ned an idea of late that he wishes to make what
reparation may be possible to me; and therefore, as he says, he does not
choose to burden his will with legacies. There is some provision made
for my aunt, who, however, has her own fortune. He has told me to look
after you."

"It will be quite unnecessary," said Mr. Merton.

"If you choose to cut up rough you can do so. I would propose that we
should fix upon some sum which shall be yours at his death,--just as
though he had left it to you. Indeed, he shall fix the sum himself."

Merton, of course, said that nothing of the kind would be necessary; but
with this understanding Mountjoy Scarborough went that night to bed.

Early on the following morning his father again sent for him.
"Mountjoy," he said, "I have thought much about it, and I have changed
my mind."

"About your will?"

"No, not about my will at all. That shall remain as it is. I do not
think I should have strength to make another will, nor do I wish to do
so."

"You mean about Merton?"

"I don't mean about Merton at all. Give him five hundred pounds, and he
ought to be satisfied. This is a matter of more importance than Mr.
Merton--or even than my will."

"What is it?" said Mountjoy, in a tone of much surprise.

"I don't think I can tell you now. But it is right that you should know
that Merton wrote, by my instructions, to Mr. Grey early this morning,
and has implored him to come to Tretton once again. There! I cannot say
more than that now." Then he turned round on his couch, as was his
custom, and was unassailable.

CHAPTER LIV.

RUMMELSBURG.

Mr. Scarborough again sent for Mr. Grey, but a couple of weeks passed
before he came. At first he refused to come, saying that he would send
his clerk down if any work were wanted such as the clerk might do. And
the clerk did come and was very useful. But Mr. Scarborough persevered,
using arguments which Mr. Grey found himself unable at last to resist.
He was dying, and there would soon be an end of it. That was his
strongest argument. Then it was alleged that a lawyer of experience was
certainly needed, and that Mr. Scarborough could not very well put his
affairs into the hands of a stranger. And old friendship was brought up.
And, then, at last, the squire alleged that there were other secrets to
be divulged respecting his family, of which Mr. Scarborough thought that
Mr. Grey would approve. What could be the "other secrets?" But it ended
i