'It is a codicil revoking my will in favour of my eldest son, and leaving all the property of which I die possessed, and which is in my power to bequeath, to my younger son Desmond.

What have you to do with that?
What possible responsibility can you have ?' Elizabeth wavered, but held her ground, though in evident distress.
'Only that--if I don't sign it--you would have time to consider it again.

Mr.Mannering--isn't it--isn't it--very unjust ?' The Squire laughed.
'How do you know that in refusing you are not unjust to Desmond ?' 'Oh no!' she said fervently.

'Mr.Desmond would never wish to supplant his brother--and for such a reason.

And especially--' she paused.
There were tears rising in her throat.
'Especially--what?
Upon my word, you claim a rather remarkable knowledge of my family--in six weeks!' 'I do know something of Desmond!' Her voice showed her agitation.
'He is the dearest, the most generous boy.