The rest lingered yet.

It seemed that they could not talk enough of it, could not tire of bringing forth new conjectures, could not give vent to all the phases of their astonishment.
"What could have been your offence, that your uncle should alter his will, two years ago, and leave the estate from you ?" Mr.Bitterworth inquired of Lionel, drawing him aside.
"I am unable to conjecture," replied Lionel.

"I find by the date of this will that it was made the week subsequent to my departure for Paris, when Jan met with the accident.

He was not displeased with me then, so far as I knew----" "Did you go to Paris in opposition to his wish ?" interrupted Mr.
Bitterworth.
"On the contrary, he hurried me off.

When the news of Jan's accident arrived, and I went to my uncle with the message, he said to me--I remember his very words--'Go off at once; don't lose an instant,' and he handed me money for the journey and for my stay; for Jan, also, should any great expense be needed for him; and in an hour I was away on my route.