“Let me tell you, soberly, that it is a matter of personal interest to you.  There is now no question of the law as a profession, for since your cousin’s death your prospects have entirely changed.  But consider, George, that not only this estate, but also the estate of your Grandfather Van Heemskirk must eventually come to you.  Much of both has been bought from confiscated properties, and it is not improbable that claimants may arise who will cause you trouble.  How necessary, then, that you should know something of the laws affecting land and property in this country.”

“My grandfather is in trouble.  I forgot to tell you last night, that his friend, Elder Semple, is dead.”

“Dead!”

“Yes, sir.”

For a few minutes General Hyde remained silent; then he said with much feeling, “Peace to the old Tory!  He was once very kind to me and to my family.  Ah, George, I have again defrauded myself of a satisfaction!  For a long time I have intended to go and see him—­it is now too late!  But I will return to the city with you and pay him the last respect possible.  Who told you this news?”

“I was walking on Broadway with young McAllister, and Doctor Moran stopped us and sent word to Elder McAllister of the death of his friend.  I think, indeed, they were relatives,”

“Was Doctor Moran his physician?”

“Yes, sir.  A very good physician, I believe; I know, that he is a very courteous and entertaining gentleman.”

“And pray, George, how do you come by such an opinion?”

“I had the honour of spending an evening at Doctor Moran’s house this week; and if you will believe me, sir, he has a daughter that shames every other beauty.  Such bewildering loveliness!  Such entrancing freshness and purity I never saw before!”

“In love again, George.  Faith, you make me ashamed of my own youth!  But this enchanting creature cannot make of her father—­anything but what he is.”

“This time I am desperately, and really, in love.”

“So you were with Mollie Trefuses, with Sarah Talbot, with Eliza Capel, with Matilda Howard—­and a galaxy of minor beauties.”

“But it has come to this—­I wish to marry Miss Moran; and I never wished to marry any other woman.”

“You have forgotten—­And by Heaven! you must forget Miss Moran.  She is not to be thought of as a wife—­for one moment.”

“Sir, you are not so unjust as to make such a statement without giving me a reason for it.”

“Giving you a reason!  My reason ought to have sprung up voluntary in your own heart.  It is an incredible thing if you are not already familiar with it.”

“Simply, sir, I profess my ignorance.”

“Look around you.  Look east, and west, and north, and south,—­all these rich lands were bought with your Uncle William’s money.  He made himself poor, to make me rich; because, having brought me up as his heir, he thought his marriage late in life had in a manner defrauded me.  You know that the death of his two sons has again made me the heir to the Hyde earldom; and that after me, the succession is yours.  Tell me now what child is left to your uncle?”