The case was now different; the separation was, in one sense at least, to be eternal; and all minor considerations, all caprices of habits or despotism of tastes, faded before the solemn impressions of the moment.

Still, Sir Wycherly could not forget that he was master of Wychecombe, and that his namesake was esteemed a man of refinement; and, in his simple way of thinking he would fain have arisen, in order to do him honour.

A little gentle violence, even, was necessary to keep the patient quiet.
"Much honoured, sir--greatly pleased," muttered Sir Wycherly, the words coming from him with difficulty.

"Same ancestors--same name--Plantagenets--old house, sir--head go, new one come--none better, than--" "Do not distress yourself to speak, unnecessarily, my dear sir," interrupted Sir Reginald, with more tenderness for the patient than consideration for his own interest, as the next words promised to relate to the succession.

"Sir Gervaise Oakes tells me, he understands your wishes, generally, and that he is now prepared to gratify them.