He began by congratulating Piers on the completion of his one-and-twentieth year.

"I am late, but had not forgotten the day; it costs me an effort to put pen to paper, as you know." Proceeding, he informed his son that a sum of money, a few hundred pounds, had become payable to him on the attainment of his majority.

"It was your mother's, and she wished you to have it.

A man of law will communicate with you about the matter.

Speak of it to me, or not, as you prefer.