Shall write
to-day.
"LIONEL TREVALYON,
"The Langham, London, England.
"28th December, 1877."
"Poor Sir Vincent gone. And so generations pass. When death bowls out
one man another takes the bat; so now Captain is Sir Lionel
Trevalyon," said Lady Esmondet, as she read the telegram.
"Yes. None shall triumph for a whole life long, for death is one and
the Fates are three," said Vaura.
On the 30th came from Lionel two letters, extracts from which we shall
give.
"DEAR LADY ESMONDET,--
"Every moment of my time is occupied, but know you will be interested
in my doings, so drop you a line. My cousin with my lawyer and self
read the will. By it my uncle bequeaths to me $500,000 in gold. I was
surprised at his generosity. The whole of his fortune would be mine if
I and Judith could marry; that would not suit either of us as we are
totally unsuited to each other. Judith leaves by steamer The Queen for
New York on the 1st January. My poor uncle lived for three hours after
my arrival. He was in great pain, suffering from Bright's disease, but
brain clear; seemed to cling to me; he told me he wished I could
persuade Judith to marry me and try and make her more womanly and live
at my place in the north; but God forbid that our lives should be
linked together.
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