CHAPTER VIII.
HOW BENEDICT BECAME A BACHELOR.
Notwithstanding the late hour at which Yorke retired to his sumptuous couch, he was up the next morning betimes.

He was restless, and eager to explore the splendors of the house, that had been so nearly his inheritance, for it was not without a stubborn contest that the law had deprived him of what he still believed to be his rights.

Nor had Crompton, in his eyes (as we have hinted), only the interest of Might-have-been; it had that of Might-be also.

If not absolutely sanguine, he was certainly far from hopeless of fortune making him that great amends; at all events, while the opportunity was afforded him, which he well knew might be lost forever by his own imprudence, or through the caprice of another, he resolved not to neglect it.

It was broad daylight, yet not a soul was stirring in all the stately place; nothing but the echo of his own footsteps, as he trod the corridor, and entered the great Picture-gallery, met his attentive ear.