f the finest
estates in England."

"I have never thought of that, sir. I have my profession and nearly
L40,000 of prize-money, which will enable us to live in great comfort; and
indeed I anticipate that her father will wish us to reside with him, or,
at any rate, that she shall do so while I am away on service."

"I hope you will not think of remaining at sea. It would be monstrous for
a man heir to L10,000 a year, besides very large accumulations, to be
knocking about the world and running the risk of having his head taken off
with a round-shot every day. I earnestly entreat you not to dream of such
a thing."

"I will think it over. I am fond of the sea, but shall certainly be fonder
of my wife, and I feel that your wishes in the matter should weigh with
me."

"Well, I hope you will at least spend a portion of your time here. It will
be your future home, and it is well that you should acquaint yourself with
your duties. Besides, remember the years that I have been a lonely man."

"I would rather not give a promise, but I shall certainly take your wishes
into consideration."

"Well, I am content with that, my boy. You will stay here now a few days,
I hope. I have so much to hear of your life, and of course I wish to
become better acquainted with you."

Will remained a week, during which time he made a great advance in the
baronet's affections, and the old man seemed to gain some years of life as
he walked in the garden and drove through the country with his young heir,
whom he was delighted to introduce to everyone.

When he returned to London he at once drove over to Dulwich.

"Well, Will, what is the result of it all?" Mr. Palethorpe asked, for Will
had purposely abstained from going to their house after his last interview
with his lawyer. "Alice has been imagining all sorts of things: that you
had been run over, or had run away with some girl."

"Father! I never thought that for a moment," his daughter said
indignantly, "though I have been very anxious, for it is nearly a
fortnight since he was here."

"I have done a good deal in the time," Will said. "I did not write to you,
because I wanted to tell you. I am acknowledged as the grandson and heir
to the title and estates of Sir Ralph Gilmore."

Both gave an exclamation of pleasure.

"And now," he said, taking her hand, "I only need one thing to complete my
happiness, and that is, that you will share my good fortune with me. May I
hope that it will be