If he had no son, my father would succeed to the title.

The death of my elder brother Tom had brought me next in succession.

My grandfather, Lord Privilege, who had taken no more notice of my father than occasionally sending him a basket of game, had latterly often invited him to the house, and had even requested, _some day or another_, to see his wife and family.

He had also made a handsome addition to my father's income, which the death of my two uncles had enabled him to do.

Against all this, my uncle's wife was reported to be again in the family way.