“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.”

“You are very right. I shall be here until five o’clock.”

“I hope to be back long before then!”

It took Wingfold an hour to find Richard. He heard the news without a word, but his eyes flashed, and Wingfold knew he thought of Barbara and his mother and the Mansons. Then his face clouded.

“It will bring trouble on the rest of my father’s family,” he said.

“Not all of them,” returned Wingfold. “And you have it in your power to ease the trouble. But do not be hastily generous, and do what you may regret, finding it for no one’s good.”

“I will think well before I do anything,” answered Richard. “But I must see my mother first.”

He found her ironing a shirt for him, and told her the news. She received it quietly. Facing so many changes had caused both her and Richard to adopt a sober way of expecting anything. By this time there hardly seemed to be any surprises left.

They went to Mr. Bell, and Richard told him to do what he judged necessary. Mr. Bell at once communicated with lady Ann’s lawyer, and requested him to inform her that sir Richard would call upon her the next day.

Mr. Wingfold accompanied him to Mortgrange. Lady Ann received them with perfect coolness.

“You are, I trust, aware of the cause of my visit, lady Ann?” said Richard.