But she had no power to undo it.
Stephen Verner had strictly fulfilled his father's injunctions touching young Lionel.

He brought up the boy as his heir.

During his educational days at Eton and at college, Verner's Pride was his holiday home, and he subsequently took up his permanent residence at it.

Stephen Verner, though long married, had no children.

One daughter had been born to him years ago, but had died at three or four years old.