"I fancy so. But I have no actual ground for the belief. The place in
which the old man lives is poor enough, and he has carefully abstained
from any hint as to what he might leave his granddaughter. Whatever it
is, Marian ought to have it; and there is very little chance of that,
unless she comes forward in response to Mr. Nowell's advertisements."

"It is a pity she should lose the chance of this inheritance, certainly,"
said Mr. Saltram.

And then the conversation changed, and they talked of other subjects
until it was time for them to part.

John Saltram walked back to the Temple in a very sombre mood, meditating
upon his friend's trouble.

"Poor old Gilbert," he said to himself, "this business has touched him
more deeply than I could have thought possible. I wish things had
happened otherwise. What is it Lady Macbeth says? 'Naught's had, all's
spent, when our desire is got without content.' I wonder whether the
fulfilment of one's heart's desire ever does bring perfect contentment? I
think not. There is always something wanting. And if a man comes by his
wish basely, there is a taint of poison in the wine of life that
neutralizes all its sweetness."




CHAPTER XIII.