There was also a son by the other woman, but he died in infancy. Ned, why
weren't you open with me? Richard has no more hold on our estates than my
groom has. Blame him! I only hope he'll think otherwise! We'll ruin him
first and kill him afterward."

"If I had only known...." said the sick man, after a pause. "But you are
certain? You have the proof? Where did you find the papers?"

"I have them. Get well, and you shall know all about it. I have a good many
curious things to tell you, and to show you, too."

"Well, God be thanked! whatever becomes of me. It is late, Archie, but I'm
beginning to get acquainted with you at last. It is my fault that I did
not know you before. You are better fitted to bear the title than I."

"No. If I thought so, I would not deny it; but if I inherit Malmaison, our
family will--perish off the earth! I can foresee some things, Ned. The
hope of the house lies in you; I shall bring only calamity. You must get
well."

Again the brothers grasped hands, looked in one another's eyes for a moment
or two, and then Archibald went out; the day passed, and the evening fell.
At midnight he was Sir Archibald of Malmaison.




X.