CHAPTER XIII.
"_Videsne quis venit ?_" "_Video, et gaudeo._" NATHANIEL ET HOLOFERNES.
Tom Wychecombe had experienced an uneasiness that it is unnecessary to explain, ever since he learned that his reputed uncle had sent a messenger to bring the "half-blood" to the Hall.

From the moment he got a clue to the fact, he took sufficient pains to ascertain what was in the wind; and when Sir Reginald Wychecombe entered the house, the first person he met was this spurious supporter of the honours of his name.
"Sir Reginald Wychecombe, I presume, from the arms and the liveries," said Tom, endeavouring to assume the manner of a host.

"It is grateful to find that, though we are separated by quite two centuries, all the usages and the bearings of the family are equally preserved and respected, by both its branches." "I am Sir Reginald Wychecombe, sir, and endeavour not to forget the honourable ancestry from which I am derived.

May I ask what kinsman I have the pleasure now to meet ?" "Mr.Thomas Wychecombe, sir, at your command; the _eldest_ son of Sir Wycherly's next brother, the late Mr.Baron Wychecombe.

I trust, Sir Reginald, you have not considered us as so far removed in blood, as to have entirely overlooked our births, marriages, and deaths." "I have _not_, sir," returned the baronet, drily, and with an emphasis that disturbed his listener, though the cold jesuitical smile that accompanied the words, had the effect to calm his vivid apprehensions.
"_All_ that relates to the house of Wychecombe has interest in my eyes; and I have endeavoured, successfully I trust, to ascertain _all_ that relates to its births, _marriages_, and deaths.