CHAPTER XVIII.
THE MEETING.
"The next morning I arrived in York, and hastened to the house of Mr.
Mornington.

I found the dear old gentleman ill in bed, but in his usual excellent spirits.
"On expressing my concern for his illness, he laughed at my long face; told me it was a trifle, and he should soon be well again.

Alas, he was not a true prophet! In a few weeks I followed my worthy friend to his grave; and found myself at the age of one-and-twenty, my own master, and sole heir to his large property.
"The joy felt at this unexpected good fortune was more than counterbalanced by the loss of the generous donor.

Gladly would I have resigned the wealth he so nobly bequeathed me, if by so doing I could have recalled the dear old man to life.

I was detained for several months in York, settling my affairs.