The Treasure of Heaven - A Romance of Riches by Marie Corelli
page 20 of 612 (03%)
page 20 of 612 (03%)
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will in order to replace the one which was previously made in favour of
my sons, and which is now destroyed, owing to their deaths before my own,--and I tell you plainly and frankly that I don't know how to make it, as there is no one in the world whom I care to name as my heir." Sir Francis sat gravely ruminating for a moment;--then he said:-- "Why not do as I suggested to you once before--adopt a child? Find some promising boy, born of decent, healthy, self-respecting parents,--educate him according to your own ideas, and bring him up to understand his future responsibilities. How would that suit you?" "Not at all," replied Helmsley drily. "I _have_ heard of parents willing to sell their children, but I should scarcely call them decent or self-respecting. I know of one case where a couple of peasants sold their son for five pounds in order to get rid of the trouble of rearing him. He turned out a famous man,--but though he was, in due course, told his history, he never acknowledged the unnatural vendors of his flesh and blood as his parents, and quite right too. No,--I have had too much experience of life to try such a doubtful business as that of adopting a child. The very fact of adoption by so miserably rich a man as myself would buy a child's duty and obedience rather than win it. I will have no heir at all, unless I can discover one whose love for me is sincerely unselfish and far above all considerations of wealth or worldly advantage." "It is rather late in the day, perhaps," said Vesey after a pause, speaking hesitatingly, "but--but--you might marry?" Helmsley laughed loudly and harshly. |
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