First relieve your mind, in matters of business; and, then, I shall be most happy to exchange with you the feelings of kindred." "Yes, Sir Wycherly," put in Sir Gervaise, on this hint; "I believe I have now found the clue to all you wish to say.

The few words written by you, last night, were the commencement of a will, which it is your strong desire to make.

Do not speak, but raise your right hand, if I am not mistaken." The sick man actually stretched his right arm above the bed-clothes, and his dull eyes lighted with an expression of pleasure, that proved how strongly his feelings were enlisted in the result.
"You see, gentlemen!" said Sir Gervaise, with emphasis.

"No one can mistake the meaning of this! Come nearer, doctor--Mr.Rotherham--all who have no probable interest in the affair--I wish it to be seen that Sir Wycherly Wychecombe is desirous of making his will." The vice-admiral now went through the ceremony of repeating his request, and got the same significant answer.
"So I understood it, Sir Wycherly, and I believe now I also understand all about the 'half,' and the 'whole,' and the '_nullus_.' You meant to tell us that your kinsman, Sir Reginald Wychecombe, was of the 'half-blood' as respects yourself, and that Mr.Thomas Wychecombe, your nephew, is what is termed in law--however painful this may be, gentlemen, at such solemn moments the truth must be plainly spoken--that Mr.Thomas Wychecombe is what the law terms a '_filius nullius_.' If we have understood you in this, also, have the goodness to give this company the same sign of assent." The last words were scarcely spoken, before Sir Wycherly again raised his arm, and nodded his head.
"Here there can be no mistake, and no one rejoices in it more than I do myself; for, the unintelligible words gave me a great deal of vexation.
Well, my dear sir, understanding your wishes, my secretary, Mr.Atwood, has drawn the commencement of a will, in the usual form, using your own pious and proper language of--'In the name of God, Amen,' as the commencement; and he stands ready to write down your bequests, as you may see fit to name them.

We will take them, first, on a separate piece of paper; then read them to you, for your approbation; and afterwards, transcribe them into the will.