The body had been removed to Monmouth House; and after the funeral, in the principal saloon of Monmouth House, the will was eventually read.

The date of the will was 1829; and by this document the sum of L10,000 was left to Coningsby, who at that time was unknown to his grandfather.

But there were many codicils.  In 1832, the L10,000 was increased to L50,000.  In 1836, after Coningsby’s visit to the castle, L50,000 was left to the Princess Lucretia, and Coningsby was left sole residuary legatee.

After the marriage, an estate of L9,000 a year was left to Coningsby, L20,000 to Mr. Rigby, and the whole of the residue went to issue by Lady Monmouth.

In the event of there being no issue, the whole of the estate was to be divided equally between Lady Monmouth and Coningsby.  In 1839, Mr. Rigby was reduced to L10,000, Lady Monmouth was to receive L3,000 per annum, and the rest, without reserve, went absolutely to Coningsby.

The last codicil was dated immediately after the separation with Lady Monmouth.

All dispositions in favour of Coningsby were revoked, and he was left with the interest of the original L10,000, the executors to invest the money as they thought best for his advancement, provided it were not placed in any manufactory.

Mr. Rigby received L5,000, M. Villebecque L30,000, and all the rest, residue and remainder, to Flora, commonly called Flora Villebecque, step-child of Armand Villebecque, “but who is my natural daughter by an actress at the Theatre Francais in the years 1811-15, by the name of Stella.”

Sidonia lightened the blow for Coningsby as far as philosophy could be of use.

“I ask you,” he said, “which would you have rather lost—­your grandfather’s inheritance or your right leg?”

“Most certainly my inheritance.”

“Or your left arm?”

“Still the inheritance.”

“Would you have given up a year of your life for that fortune trebled?”

“Even at twenty-three I would have refused the terms.”

“Come, then, Coningsby, the calamity cannot be very great.  You have health, youth, good looks, great abilities, considerable knowledge, a fine courage, and no contemptible experience.  You can live on L300 a year.  Read for the Bar.”

“I have resolved,” said Coningsby.  “I will try for the Great Seal!”

Next morning came a note from Flora, begging Mr. Coningsby to call upon her.  It was an interview he would rather have avoided.  But Flora had not injured him, and she was, after all, his kin.  She was alone when Coningsby entered the room.

“I have robbed you of your inheritance.”

“It was not mine by any right, legal or moral.  The fortune is yours, dear Flora, by every right; and there is no one who wishes more fervently that it may contribute to your happiness than I do.”

“It is killing me,” said Flora mournfully.  “I must tell you what I feel.  This fortune is yours.  I never thought to be so happy as I shall be if you will generously accept it.”