and--a consumption!" answered Vernon, suppressing a slight yawn.

"'T is a pity, for you had a fine estate, properly managed; and in spite
of your faults, you have the heart of a true gentleman. Come, come!" and
the old man spoke with tenderness, "you are young enough yet to reform.
A prudent marriage and a good wife will save both your health and your
acres."

"If you think so highly of marriage, my dear Sir Miles, it is a wonder
you did not add to your precepts the value of your example."

"Jackanapes! I had not your infirmities: I never was a spendthrift, and
I have a constitution of iron!" There was a pause. "Charles," continued
Sir Miles, musingly, "there is many an earl with a less fortune than the
conjoined estates of Vernon Grange and Laughton Hall. You must already
have understood me: it is my intention to leave my estates to Lucretia;
it is my wish, nevertheless, to think you will not be the worse for my
will. Frankly, if you can like my niece, win her; settle here while I
live, put the Grange to nurse, and recruit yourself by fresh air and
field-sports. Zounds, Charles, I love you, and that's the truth! Give
me your hand!"

"And a grateful heart with it, sir," said Vernon, warmly, evidently
affected, as he started from his indolent position and took the hand
extended to him. "Believe me, I do not covet your wealth, nor do I envy
my cousin anything so much as the first place in your regard."

"Prettily said, my boy, and I don't suspect you of insincerity. What
think you, then, of my plan?"