With eternity before them, and God at the head and the heart of the universe, Richard and Barbara did not believe in separation any more than in death. He in London and she at Wylder Hall, they were far more together than most unparted pairs.

Wingfold set himself to keep Barbara busy, giving her plenty to read and plenty of work—her waiting should be no loss of time to her if he could help it! Among other things, he set her to teach his boy where she thought herself much too ignorant. He held, not only that to teach is the best way to learn, but that the imperfect are the best teachers of the imperfect.

He made Richard promise to take no important step for a year without first letting him know. He was anxious he should have nothing to undo because of what the packet committed to his care might contain.

— Fifty-Six —

The Packet

At last the anniversary of the death of sir Wilton arrived. Wingfold rose early, his mind anxious and his heart troubled that his mind should be anxious, and set out for London by the first train. There he sought the office of sir Wilton’s lawyer. When at last Mr. Bell appeared, Wingfold asked him to witness the opening of the packet. Mr. Bell broke the seal himself, read the baronet’s statement of the request he had made to Wingfold, and then opened the enclosed packet.

“A most irregular proceeding!” he exclaimed—as well he might. His late client had committed to the keeping of the clergyman of another parish the will, signed and properly witnessed, which Mr. Bell had last drawn up for him. As it was nowhere to be discovered, Bell had assumed that the baronet had later destroyed it. But here it was, devising and bequeathing his whole property, real and personal, exclusive only of certain legacies of small account, to Richard Lestrange, formerly known as Richard Tuke, reputed son of John and Jane Tuke, born Armour, but in reality sole son of Wilton Arthur Lestrange, of Mortgrange and Cinqmer, Baronet, and Robina Armour his wife, daughter of Simon Armour, Blacksmith, born in lawful wedlock in the house of Mortgrange, in the year 18—! The will was so worded, at the request of sir Wilton, that even should the law declare Richard a fraud, the property must yet be his!

“This will be a terrible blow to that proud woman!” said Mr. Bell. “You must prepare her for the shock.”

“Prepare lady Ann!” exclaimed Wingfold. “Believe me, she is in no danger. An earthquake would not move her.”

“I must see her lawyer at once!” said Mr. Bell, rising.

“Let me have the papers, please,” said Wingfold. “Sir Wilton did not tell me to bring them to you. I must take them to Richard.”

“Then you do not wish me to move in the matter?”

“I shall advise Richard to put the matter into your hands. But he must do it. I have not the power.”