y
Lord Heatherly would be glad to see one who will some day succeed to his
name and estates."

The manner of the servant immediately changed. "Lord Heatherly, sir,
is, I am afraid, dying," he answered; "but I will let his lordship know
who has come, and possibly he may be ready to do as you wish. At the
same time, pray understand, sir, that it will not be my fault if he
refuses to see the young gentleman."

"Of course not, my good man," said Mr Sedgwick.

In a short time the servant returned, saying that Lord Heatherly would
see us. We found the old lord lying on a stately bed in a handsome
room, a harsh-featured nurse by his side, while a footman stood at the
foot of the bed ready to receive orders.

"Mr Sedgwick, I remember you," he said. "Your sister married my
cousin.--And so this lad claims to be my heir? Let me look at him. I
remember Walter Heathfield's features well. Yes, I can believe that you
are his son. I have made no will. All my estates are entailed, and if
you can prove that you are next of kin, you will succeed. It matters
not to me, though I should prefer that they were inherited by one who
has been brought up as a gentleman. I do not wish to dispute your
rights, if you are really my heir. The doctors say I am dying. They
may be right. I have lived a number of years, and I am pretty well
tired of life. You think, young gentleman, that you are about to
succeed to a noble inheritance; but let me tell you that an estate like
this entails many cares and responsibilities. The responsibilities I
have ignored. Of the cares I have had enough. If you follow in my
footsteps, you will find but little satisfaction in the property. It is
somewhat heavily encumbered; and if my brother Jack had succeeded, it
would in a short time have been still more so. There, I have given you
a few hints; it will be your own fault if you do not take them.
Speaking so much has wearied me. You and Mr Sedgwick are welcome to
remain in the house as long as you please. If I am alive to-morrow
morning I shall be happy to see you again. You will find dinner
prepared for you. And now, good afternoon."

My cousin, who was propped up with pillows, made an inclination with his
head, but did not even attempt to hold out his hand. My uncle bowed,
and I followed his example as we left the room. We found the servants
arranged in the hall, and with many bows they ushered us into the
drawing-room. Soon afterwards the