All that he has said about a will must be fabulous, as no man in his senses would risk his neck to obtain so hollow a distinction as a baronetcy--we are equally members of the class, and may speak frankly, Sir Gervaise--and the will would secure the estate, if there were one.

I cannot think, therefore, that there is a will at all." "If this will were not altogether to the fellow's liking, would not the marriage, beside the hollow honour of which you have spoken, put the whole of the landed property in his possession, under the entail ?" "It would, indeed; and I thank you for the suggestion.

If, however, Sir Wycherly is desirous, _now_, of making a _new_ will, and has strength and mind sufficient to execute his purpose, the _old_ one need give us no concern.

This is a most delicate affair for one in my situation to engage in, sir; and I greatly rejoice that I find such honourable and distinguished witnesses, in the house, to clear my reputation, should any thing occur to require such exculpation.

On the one side, Sir Gervaise, there is the danger of an ancient estate's falling into the hands of the crown, and this, too, while one of no _stain_ of blood, derived from the same honourable ancestors as the last possessor, is in existence; or, on the other, of its becoming the prey of one of base blood, and of but very doubtful character.