How much ruddier would be the glow of the fire! how much more cosy the lonely hearth! How pleasant it would be to see him always seated at the well-appointed table! how the silver and glass would sparkle! how they would wake the echoes of the old house with happy talk and merry laughter! and the old man became quite enamoured of the picture which his imagination had conjured up.
"Yes," he said aloud, for there was no one to hear him, "I will no longer live alone; I will adopt Will as my son and heir.

I think he is all I could wish him to be, and I believe he will reflect credit on my choice." And when he closed the window and turned to his book and reading-lamp it was with a pleased smile of content, and a determination to carry out his plans without delay.

Will should be fully informed of his intentions.
"It will give him confidence," thought the old man, and the feeling of kinship which had so long slept within him began to awake and to fill his heart with a warm glow which he had missed so long, though perhaps unconsciously.
In the following week Will came for a two days' visit, and Dr.Owen looked forward to their evening smoke with eager impatience.

When at last they were seated in the smoking-room and Will had, with thoughtful care, pushed the footstool towards him and placed the lamp in his favourite position on the table at his back, he no longer delayed the hour of communication.
"Thank you, my boy, I quite miss you when you are away; you seem to fall into your place here so naturally I almost wish your college life was over so that I might see more of you." "It would be strange if I did not feel at home here, you are so indulgent to me, uncle.

If I were your own son I don't think you could be kinder." "Well, Will, that is what I want you to become--my own son, the comfort of my declining years, and the heir to my property when I die.