In the second place, we are glad to inform you that the annual sum paid by us into the Kentish bank to your credit will not be affected by the loss of the will; for at the time when that payment first commenced, Mr.Penfold signed a deed making this payment a first charge on the rents of two of his farms during your lifetime.

This assignment was of a binding character, and of course continues to hold good.

We shall consider it our duty to acquaint you from time to time with the course of proceedings in the matter of the late Mr.Penfold's will." Little as Mrs.Conway had thought of herself from the time when she first heard that the will was missing, the news that her income would remain unchanged delighted her.

She had formed no plans for herself, but had vaguely contemplated the necessity of giving up her house as soon as it was decided that the will could not be found, selling her furniture, and for the present taking a small lodging.

She was glad that there would be no occasion for this; but very much more glad that she should be able now to make Ralph an allowance of seventy or eighty pounds a year, which would make all the difference between his living comfortably and being obliged to pinch himself in every way to subsist upon his pay.