The last and by many years the youngest of the children was Andrew, whom I first knew, as I told you, at the age of nineteen.

My father was then on the point of retiring from the active pursuit of his profession; and in succeeding to his business, I also succeeded to his connection with the Vanstones as the family solicitor.
"At that time, Andrew had just started in life by entering the army.
After little more than a year of home-service, he was ordered out with his regiment to Canada.

When he quitted England, he left his father and his elder brother Michael seriously at variance.

I need not detain you by entering into the cause of the quarrel.

I need only tell you that the elder Mr.Vanstone, with many excellent qualities, was a man of fierce and intractable temper.