His nephew, Tom Wychecombe, the presumptive heir, he insists on it, is a _nullus_; while this Sir Reginald, who is expected to arrive every instant, he says is only _half_--or half-_blood_, as it has since been explained to us." "I am afraid this nephew will prove to be any thing but _nullus_, when he succeeds to the estate and title," answered Bluewater, gravely.

"A more sinister-looking scoundrel, I never laid eyes on." "That is just my way of thinking; and not in the least like the family." "This matter of likenesses is not easily explained, Oakes.

We see parents and children without any visible resemblance to each other; and then we find startling likenesses between utter strangers." "_Bachelor's children_ may be in that predicament, certainly; but I should think few others.

I never yet studied a child, that I did not find some resemblance to both parents; covert and only transitory, perhaps; but a likeness so distinct as to establish the relationship.
What an accursed chance it is, that our noble young lieutenant should have no claim on this old baronet; while this d----d _nullus_ is both heir at law, and heir of entail! I never took half as much interest in any other man's estate, as I take in the succession to this of our poor host!" "There you are mistaken, Oakes; you took more in _mine_; for, when I made a will in your own favour, and gave it to you to read, you tore it in two, and threw it overboard, with your own hand." "Ay, that was an act of lawful authority.

As your superior, I countermanded that will! I hope you've made another, and given your money, as I told you, to your cousin, the Viscount." "I did, but _that_ will has shared the fate of the first.