staying there with his mother. The malady turned out to be gastric
fever, and Mr. Speck was in constant attendance. For the few days that
the child lay in danger, Eliza was almost wild. The progress to
convalescence was very slow, lasting many weeks; and during that time
Captain Monk, being much with the little fellow, grew to be fond of him
with an unreasonable affection.

"I'm not sure but I shall leave Leet Hall to him," he suddenly observed
to Eliza one day, not observing that Harry Carradyne was standing in the
recess of the window. "Halloa! are you there, Harry? Well, it can't be
helped. You heard what I said?"

"I heard, Uncle Godfrey: but I did not understand."

"Eliza thinks Leet Hall ought to go in the direct line--through her--to
this child. What should you say to that?"

"What could he say to it?" imperiously demanded Eliza. "He is only your
nephew."

Harry looked from one to the other in a sort of bewildered surprise: and
there came a silence.

"Uncle Godfrey," he said, starting out of a reverie, "you have been good
enough to make me your heir. It was unexpected on my part, unsolicited;
but you did do it, and you caused me to leave the army in consequence,
to give up my fair prospects in life. I am aware that this deed is not
irrevocable, and certainly you have the right to do what you will with
your own property. But you must forgive me for saying that you should
have made quite sure of your intentions beforehand: before picking me