He sat in his old favourite attitude; his hands clasped on the head of his stick, and his face bent down upon it.

"Bitterworth," said he presently "when I made my will years ago, after my father's death, I appointed you one of the executors." "I know it," replied Mr.Bitterworth.

"I was associated--as you gave me to understand--with Sir Rufus Hautley." "Ay.

After the boy came of age,"-- and Mr.Bitterworth knew that he alluded to Lionel--"I added his name to those of Sir Rufus and yourself.
Legacies apart, the estate was all left to him." "Of course it was," assented Mr.Bitterworth.
"Since then, I have seen fit to make an alteration," continued Mr.
Verner.

"I mention it to you, Bitterworth, that you may not be surprised when you hear the will read.