'
'There is no doubt that he did not contemplate a case which has led
to such happiness as this has done,' the youth murmured with
hesitation; for though he scarcely remembered a word of his uncle's
letter of advice, he had a dim apprehension that it was couched in
terms alluding specifically to Lady Constantine.
'Are you sure you cannot retain the money, and be my lawful husband
too?' she asked piteously. 'O, what a wrong I am doing you! I did
not dream that it could be as bad as this. I knew I was wasting
your time by letting you love me, and hampering your projects; but I
thought there were compensating advantages. This wrecking of your
future at my hands I did not contemplate. You are sure there is no
escape? Have you his letter with the conditions, or the will? Let
me see the letter in which he expresses his wishes.'
'I assure you it is all as I say,' he pensively returned. 'Even if
I were not legally bound by the conditions I should be morally.'
'But how does he put it? How does he justify himself in making such
a harsh restriction? Do let me see the letter, Swithin. I shall
think it a want of confidence if you do not. I may discover some
way out of the difficulty if you let me look at the papers.
Eccentric wills can be evaded in all sorts of ways.
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