But now, to the all-important point on which the whole affair hinges! How am I to assert my claim to her hand--how enforce it when made?
Explain that to me, Sir Giles, I beseech you." "Readily," replied the extortioner.

"But before doing so let me give you a piece of information which will surprise you, and which will show you that my tenure of this great Norfolk property is not quite so secure as you suppose it.

You are aware that Sir Ferdinando Mounchensey had a younger brother, Osmond--" "Who disappeared when very young, and died, it was concluded," interrupted Sir Francis, "for he was never heard of more.

And it was lucky for us he did so die, or he might have proved a serious obstacle to our seizure of these estates, for I remember it being stated at the time, by one of the judges, that had he been living, he might have procured a reversal of the Star-Chamber sentence upon Sir Ferdinando in his favour." "Precisely so, and that judge's opinion was correct," said Sir Giles.
"Now listen to me, Sir Francis.

It is quite true that Osmond Mounchensey quitted his home when very young, owing to some family quarrel; but it is not true that he died.