some secret receptacle.  In the second place, we are glad to inform you that the annual sum paid by us into the Kentish bank to your credit will not be affected by the loss of the will; for at the time when that payment first commenced, Mr. Penfold signed a deed making this payment a first charge on the rents of two of his farms during your lifetime.  This assignment was of a binding character, and of course continues to hold good.  We shall consider it our duty to acquaint you from time to time with the course of proceedings in the matter of the late Mr. Penfold’s will.”

Little as Mrs. Conway had thought of herself from the time when she first heard that the will was missing, the news that her income would remain unchanged delighted her.  She had formed no plans for herself, but had vaguely contemplated the necessity of giving up her house as soon as it was decided that the will could not be found, selling her furniture, and for the present taking a small lodging.  She was glad that there would be no occasion for this; but very much more glad that she should be able now to make Ralph an allowance of seventy or eighty pounds a year, which would make all the difference between his living comfortably and being obliged to pinch himself in every way to subsist upon his pay.  It would also enable her to carry out without difficulty any plans she might determine upon.

Upon the receipt of the letter announcing Mr. Penfold’s death, she had written to Ralph telling him of it, but saying nothing about Mr. Tallboys’ visit to the Withers, or his report that he was unable to find the will.  She now wrote to him relating the whole circumstances.  He had not previously known Mr. Penfold’s intention to make him his heir, being only told that he intended to push his way in life, and had considered that the promise was carried out by his obtaining him a commission and arranging some allowance.  His mother was glad of this now.

“Of course the loss of Mr. Penfold’s will, my boy, will make a difference to you, as there can be no doubt that he had made some provisions in it for the regular payment of the allowance he had so kindly promised you.  This, unless the will is found, you will of course lose.  Having been a soldier’s daughter, I know that to live comfortably in the army it is necessary to have something beyond your pay; but fortunately I can assist you a little.  I have now one less to feed and clothe, and no schooling expenses; and I have been calculating things up, and find that I can allow you seventy-five pounds a year without making any difference in the manner of my living.  You will be able to see that for yourself.  You need, therefore, feel no hesitation in accepting this allowance.”