"There was some mystery there which I shall discover in time. All went
smoothly till that unlucky yachting trip, when the cousins were wrecked.
Maurice saved Jasper's life, and almost lost his own in so doing. I
fancy he wishes he had, rather than remain the poor cripple he is.
Exposure, exertion, and neglect afterward brought on paralysis of the
lower limbs, and there he is--a fine, talented, spirited fellow tied to
that cursed chair like a decrepit old man."

"How does he bear it?" asked Annon, as the major shook his gray head,
with a traitorous huskiness in his last words.

"Like a philosopher or a hero. He is too proud to show his despair at
such a sudden end to all his hopes, too generous to complain, for Jasper
is desperately cut up about it, and too brave to be daunted by a
misfortune which would drive many a man mad."

"Is it true that Sir Jasper, knowing all this, made a new will and left
every cent to his namesake?"

"Yes, and there lies the mystery. Not only did he leave it away from
poor Maurice, but so tied it up that Jasper cannot transfer it, and at
his death it goes to Octavia."

"The old man must have been demented. What in heaven's name did he mean
by leaving Maurice helpless and penniless after all his devotion to
Jasper? Had he done anything to offend the old party?"

"No one knows; Maurice hasn't the least idea of the cause of this sudden
whim, and the old man would give no reason for it. He died soon after,
and the instant Jasper came to the title and estate he brought his