aware that the late Sir Barnard had any other relatives. Crown
Anstey, the residence of the late baronet, is ready at any time for
your reception. If you can favor us with a call today, we will
explain to you the different ways in which the late baronet's large
fortune is invested. We have managed the Crown Anstey property for
some years, and hope to have the honor of continuing our business
relations with you. We are, sir, your obedient servants,

"Moreland & Paine."

The letter fell from my hands and I looked at it in blank astonishment
too great for words.

Sir Barnard Trevelyan! Crown Anstey! Why, the last time I ever heard
those names my mother sat talking to me about this proud, stately cousin
of my father--cousin who had never noticed either him or us by word or
by look. I was curious, and asked many questions about him. She told me
he had married some great lady, the daughter of a duke, and that he had
two sons--Miles, the eldest, and Cecil. I remembered having heard of
Cecil's death, but never dreamed that it could affect me.

Moreland & Paine! I knew the firm very well; they had large offices in
Lincoln's Inn, and bore a high reputation. Suddenly my heart stood
still. Why, of course, it was a jest--a sorry jest of one of my fellow
clerks. There they were, looking at me with eager, wondering eyes--of
course it was a jest. My heart almost ceased to beat, and I caught my
breath with something like a sob.

They should not laugh at me; they should not read what was passing in my
mind.