I took the chest, and I have kept it until now.

I have thought often of it; but no word reached me of my sister, and time has failed me to seek her abroad.

I knew her children, if any lived, could but just have reached man or woman's estate, and I have waited to see what would chance.
"Cuthbert Trevlyn, this chest and all it contains may one day be thine.

I give it not yet into thy keeping, for I must prove thee first; but I tell thee what is within it and what was thy grand sire's charge, that thou mayest know I have no desire save to do what is right by thee and thy sister, and that I trust and hope the day may come when I may deliver the chest to thee, to divide with her the portion bequeathed to your hapless mother." Cuthbert's astonishment was so great he hardly knew what to say.
For himself he cared but little.

He was a man, and could fight his own way in the world.