nto the place of heir. It
was clear that but a very moderate amount of the old gentleman's
wealth--he was usually now called the old gentleman by them all; Sir
Lionel, Miss Baker, Mr. Pritchett, and others--had been bestowed on
the rising lawyer; and that, as far as that point was concerned, the
game was still open. But then, if it was open to him, Sir Lionel,
through Miss Baker, it was also open to his son George. And it
appeared from Miss Baker's testimony that, during the whole period
of these wedding doings, no word had escaped the mouth of the old
gentleman in vituperation or anger against George. Perhaps George
after all might be the best card. Oh, what an excellent card might he
be if he would only consent to guide himself by the commonest rules
of decent prudence! But then, as Mr. Pritchett had truly observed,
Mr. George was so foolish! Moreover, Sir Lionel was not blind to
the reflection that the old gentleman would never countenance his
marriage with Miss Baker. Whatever Mr. Bertram's good intentions Miss
Baker-wards might be, they would undoubtedly be frustrated by such
a marriage. If Sir Lionel decided on Miss Baker, things must be so
arranged that the marriage should be postponed till that tedious old
gentleman should move himself off the scene; and the tedious old
gentleman, moreover, must not be allowed to know anything about it.

But with Miss Todd there need be no secrecy, no drawback, no
delay--no drawback but that of doubtful reception; and after
reception, of doubtful masterdom.

On thorough review of all the circumstances, much balancing them
in his high mind, Sir Lionel at last thus resolved. He would throw
himself, his heart, and his fortune at the feet of Miss Todd. If
there accepted, he would struggle with every muscle of the manhood
which was yet within him for that supremacy in purse and power which
of law and of right belongs to the man. He thought he knew himself,
and that it would not be easy for a woman to get the better of him.
But if there rejected--and he could not confess but what there was a
doubt--he would immediately fall back upon Miss Baker. Whatever he
did must be done immediately, for in less than a month's time, Miss
Baker would be out of his reach altogether. As to seeking Miss Baker
at Hadley, that would be above even his courage. All must be done
within the next month. If on Miss Baker was to fall the honour of
being Lady Bertram, she must not only receive him within the m