I certainly shall not have cause for extravagance now, living here alone; and shall endeavour to free the estate from the burden by degrees.

When I die, it will, in accordance with my present purpose, go to your cousin George.' As this was said, John thought he perceived something like a quiver in his father's voice, which, up to that point, had been hard, clear, and unshaken.

'As to that, however, I do not intend to pledge myself,' he continued.

'The estate will now be my own, subject to the claim from Messrs.

Bolton's bank.