Thus, you will be placed in a proper position; and should it be known by any means that the child is my daughter, that deed will still be a proof that you are carrying out my wishes, and are absolute master of the estate until she comes of age." "I must think it all over, George.

It is a singular proposal, and I own I would rather things went on in their regular course." "Yes, yes, I understand that, John; but you see I have altogether set my mind on this matter.

I want to know that my girl is not going to be married for her money; and, at any rate, that deed makes you master of the Reigate estates for the next thirteen years; so the only thing that I really want of you is to let the girl be called your ward instead of your niece, and that she and everyone else shall be in ignorance that she is an heiress.

So far from doing the girl a wrong, you will be doing her a benefit; and as I have explained the whole matter to our lawyers, no one can possibly think that the thing has been done from any motive whatever except that of affording me satisfaction." "I will think the matter over," John repeated.

"Of course, brother, it has been in your mind for some time, but it comes altogether fresh to me, and I must look at it in every light.