CHAPTER X.
FRED NEVILLE'S SCHEME.
On the next morning after breakfast Neville was taken into his uncle's chamber, but there was an understanding that there was to be no conversation on disagreeable subjects on this occasion.

His aunt remained in the room while he was there, and the conversation was almost confined to the expression of thanks on the part of the Earl to his nephew for coming, and of hopes on the part of the nephew that his uncle might soon be well.

One matter was mooted as to which no doubt much would be said before Neville could get away.

"I thought it better to make arrangements to stay a fortnight," said Fred,--as though a fortnight were a very long time indeed.
"A fortnight!" said the Earl.
"We won't talk of his going yet," replied Lady Scroope.
"Supposing I had died, he could not have gone back in a fortnight," said the Earl in a low moaning voice.
"My dear uncle, I hope that I may live to see you in your own place here at Scroope for many years to come." The Earl shook his head, but nothing more was then said on that subject.

Fred, however, had carried out his purpose.