proved to be the heir, since nothing was known against him, and when
the other young man was gone there was hope that any little distrusts
might be allayed, and that he might ultimately take his place in the
county.

The other young man! Why should there be any distrust of Harold? I
grew hot and indignant, and insisted on knowing what was meant; but
Mr. Prosser declared that he knew nothing, only there were vague
reports which made him rejoice that Mr. Harold Alison was not called
to be the manager of the property, and would make him question
whether a young lady would find it expedient to be long an inmate of
the same house.

What reports could he mean? No--I could get no more out of him; he
was too cautious to commit himself, and seemed to be satisfied by
observing that if I changed my mind, I could at any time leave my
nephews.

"Her nephews," I heard him mutter to himgelf; "yes, her nephews.
No one has any right to object, and she can but judge for herself--
there's no harm done."

I shall always believe, however, that he set on my friends to
remonstrate, for letters began coming in, in all the senses of the
imperative mood, commanding and entreating me to leave Arghouse.
There was one such as only Lord Erymanth could write. He was an old
man, and never could make short work of anything. They say that his
chief political value was to be set on when anyone was wanted to
speak against time. I know he was very dreadful at all the platforms
in the county; but he was very good and conscientious, and everyone