“That is just what your father intends to have done whenever the property comes into Hugh’s possession,” replied Mrs. Mainwaring, and was about to say something further, when a musical whistle attracted the attention of the ladies, and, looking over the balcony railing, they saw Hugh Mainwaring, Jr., approaching the house, on his return from a day’s fishing, accompanied by Walter LaGrange, a young sophomore, home on his vacation.

The former was a typical young Englishman, with a frank, pleasant countenance.  The latter, while inheriting his mother’s beauty and resembling her in a marked degree, yet betrayed in his face a weakness which indicated that, lacking ability to plan and execute for himself, he would become a ready tool to aid in carrying out the designs of others.

The ladies, having discovered the hour to be much later than they supposed, and knowing that the gentlemen would soon return from the city, speedily adjourned to their dressing-rooms to prepare for dinner.

CHAPTER III

THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF HUGH MAINWARING

Immediately after breakfast the following morning, Hugh Mainwaring, having excused himself to his guests, retired to his private library, in company with his secretary and Mr. Whitney, his attorney.  A number of fine saddle horses having been brought around from the stables, the young people cantered gayly down the oak-lined avenue, intent upon a morning ride, their voices echoing musically through the grounds.  The elderly people, after a short chat, gradually dispersed.  Mrs. Mainwaring retired to her room for her accustomed morning nap; Mrs. Hogarth sought the large library and was soon absorbed in the works of her favorite author, while Ralph Mainwaring and Mr. Thornton strolled up and down the gravelled walks, enjoying their cigars.

“This is a very good bit of property,” remarked Mr. Mainwaring at length, running his eye with cold scrutiny over the mansion and grounds; “taking into consideration the stocks and bonds and various business interests that will go with it, it will make a fine windfall for the boy.”

“That it will, and Hugh certainly is a lucky dog!” responded Mr. Thornton, “but you seem to have some definite knowledge regarding our cousin’s finances; has he given you any idea as to what he is really worth?”

“He?  Not a word.”  Then noting an expression of surprise on his companion’s face, Mr. Mainwaring continued.  “I have a number of business acquaintances on this side the water, and you may rest assured I have kept myself well posted as to the way things were going all these years.  I have had something of this kind in view all the time.”

“I might have known it,” replied Mr. Thornton, with an amused smile.  “I never yet saw a Mainwaring who did not understand how to feather his own nest.  Well, as you say, it is a fine piece of property; but, do you know, Mainwaring, it strikes me that the old boy seems a bit anxious to get it disposed of according to his own liking as quickly as possible.”