"I never yet saw a Mainwaring who did not understand how to feather his own nest.

Well, as you say, it is a fine piece of property; but, do you know, Mainwaring, it strikes me that the old boy seems a bit anxious to get it disposed of according to his own liking as quickly as possible." "It does look that way," the other acknowledged.
"Well, now, doesn't that seem a little peculiar, when, with no direct heirs that we know of, the property would in any case revert to your family ?" Ralph Mainwaring puffed in silence for a few moments, then removing his cigar and slowing knocking off the ashes, he replied very deliberately,-- "It is my opinion that he and that attorney of his are aware of some possible claimants, of whom we know nothing." "That is my idea exactly," said Mr.Thornton; "and, don't you know, it has occurred to me that possibly, unknown to us, Harold Mainwaring may have left a child, whose existence is known to Hugh." "That would cut no figure in this case," Mr.Mainwaring answered, quickly.

"Even had there been a living child,--which there was not,--he could make no claim whatever, for Harold was disinherited by his father's will." "Yes, I know the old gentleman disinherited Harold, but would his heirs have no claim ?" "Not under that will.

I was present when it was read, and I remember it debarred 'both him and his heirs, forever.'" "Poor Harold!" said Mr.Thornton, after a moment's silence; "he was the elder son, was he not ?" "Yes, and his father's favorite.

It broke the old man's heart to disinherit him.