Mr.Touchwood is still alive, forming plans which have no object, and accumulating a fortune, for which he has apparently no heir.

The old man had endeavoured to fix this character, as well as his general patronage, upon Tyrrel, but the attempt only determined the latter to leave the country; nor has he been since heard of, although the title and estates of Etherington lie vacant for his acceptance.

It is the opinion of many, that he has entered into a Moravian mission, for the use of which he had previously drawn considerable sums.
Since Tyrrel's departure, no one pretends to guess what old Touchwood will do with his money.

He often talks of his disappointments, but can never be made to understand, or at least to admit, that they were in some measure precipitated by his own talent for intrigue and manoeuvring.

Most people think that Mowbray of St.Ronan's will be at last his heir.