'He purports, I suppose, to be your uncle's heir.

But I do know that his attorney has forwarded copies of documents to his lordship, and that Lord Chatham thinks the matter of serious import.' 'The worse for me,' said Sir George, forcing a yawn.

'As you say, doctor, your news is not of the best.' 'Nor, I hope, of the worst,' the physician answered with feeling.

'The estate is entailed ?' Sir George shook his head.

'No,' he said.