costs me an effort to put pen to paper, as you know.”  Proceeding, he informed his son that a sum of money, a few hundred pounds, had become payable to him on the attainment of his majority.  “It was your mother’s, and she wished you to have it.  A man of law will communicate with you about the matter.  Speak of it to me, or not, as you prefer.  If you wish it, I will advise; if you wish it not, I will keep silence.”  There followed a few words about the beauty of spring in the moorland; then:  “Your ordeal approaches.  An absurdity, I fear, but the wisdom of our day will have it thus.  I wish you success.  If you fall short of your hopes, come to me and we will talk once more.  Befall what may, I am to the end your father who wishes you well.”  The signature was very large, and might have drawn censure of affectation from the unsympathetic.  As, indeed, might the whole epistle:  very significant of the mind and temper of Jerome Otway.

To Piers, the style was too familiar to suggest reflections besides, he had a loyal mind towards his father, and never criticised the old man’s dealing with him.  The confirmation of Daniel’s report about the legacy concerned him little in itself; he had no immediate need of money, and so small a sum could not affect the course of his life; but, this being true, it seemed probable that Daniel’s other piece of information was equally well founded.  If so, what matter?  Already he had asked himself why the story about his mother should have caused him a shock.  His father, in all likelihood, would now never speak of that; and, indeed, why should he?  The story no longer affected either of them, and to worry oneself about it was mere “philistinism,” a favourite term with Piers at that day.

In replying, which he did this same night, he decided to make no mention of Daniel.  The name would give his father no pleasure.

When he rang to have his tea-things taken away, Mrs. Hannaford presented herself.  She was anxious about him.  Why would he not dine?  She wished him to make the acquaintance of Miss Derwent, whose talk was sure to interest him.  Piers pleaded his headache, causing the lady more solicitude.  She entreated.  As he could not work, it would be much better for him to spend an hour or two in company.  Would he not? to please her?

Mrs. Hannaford spoke in a soft, caressing voice, and Piers returned her look of kindness; but he was firm.  An affection had grown up between these two; their intercourse, though they seldom talked long together, was much like that of mother and son.

“You are injuring you health,” said Mrs. Hannaford gravely, “and it is unkind to those who care for you.”

“Wait a few weeks,” he replied cheerily, “and I’ll make up the health account.”

“You refuse to come down to please me, this once?”

“I must be alone—­indeed I must,” Piers replied, with unusual abruptness.  And Mrs. Hannaford, a little hurt, left the room without speaking.