Nevertheless, Sir Gervaise thought it would be generous, under the circumstances, to remind the testator that such a being as Tom Wychecombe existed.
"Here is your nephew, Mr.Thomas, Sir Wycherly," he said; "is it your wish to let his name appear in your will ?" The sick man smiled coldly; but he moved his head, as much as to imply assent.
"'I give and bequeath to Thomas Wychecombe, the eldest reputed son of my late brother, Thomas, one of the Barons of His Majesty's Exchequer,'" read Atwood, when the clause was duly written; "'the sum of -- --, in the five per cent.

stocks of this kingdom.'" "What sum will you have inserted, Sir Wycherly ?" asked the vice-admiral.
"Fifty--fifty--_pounds_" said the testator, in a voice clearer and fuller than he had before used that day.
The necessary words were immediately inserted; the clause, as completed, was read again, and the approval was confirmed by a distinctly pronounced "yes." Tom started, but, as all the others maintained their self-command, the business of the moment did not the less proceed.
"Do you wish any more names introduced into your will, Sir Wycherly ?" asked the vice-admiral.

"You have bequeathed but--a-a-a--how much--hey! Atwood ?--ay, ten and three are thirteen, and fifty _pounds_, make L13,180; and I hear you have L20,000 funded, besides loose cash, beyond a doubt." "Ann Larder--Samuel Cork--Richard Bitts--David Brush--Phoebe Keys," said Sir Wycherly, slowly, giving time after each pause, for Atwood to write; naming his cook, butler, groom, valet or body-servant, and housekeeper, in the order they have been laid before the reader.
"How much to each, Sir Wycherly ?--I see Atwood has made short work, and put them all in the same clause--that will never do, unless the legacies are the same." "Good--good--right," muttered the testator; "L200--each--L1000--all--money--money." This settled the point, and the clause was regularly written, read, and approved.
"This raises the money bequests to L14,180, Sir Wycherly--some 6 or L7000 more must remain to be disposed of.

Stand a little further this way, if you please, Mr._Wycherly_ Wychecombe, and allow the ladies more room.

Whose name shall we insert next, sir ?" Sir Wycherly, thus directed by the eager desire of the admiral to serve the gallant lieutenant, fastened his eyes on the young man, regarding him quite a minute in silent attention.
"Virginian--same name--American--colonies--good lad--_brave_ lad--L1000," muttered the sick man between his teeth; and, yet so breathless was the quiet of the chamber, at that moment, every syllable was heard by all present.