PART II.
CHAPTER I.
It is necessary to go back a fortnight, and follow George Daintree to England, in order to understand the course of events. On the morning of his arrival he stood by his uncle's bedside at Hampstead. Mr. Twisden was suffering from the severest fit of the gout he had ever known, and it was small consolation to the old man to be told by his doctor that it was "much better out than in." He devoutly wished it had remained "in" a few days longer. He had several cases on hand that required his attention, and among those that worried him most was that of Mr. William Shaw. His old client had written to say that, in consequence of his niece's conduct, he desired to alter his will. By the provisions of the existing one, his wife, besides her ample jointure, had a life-interest in his landed estate, which was to pass to Elizabeth at Mrs. Shaw's death. He now desired to leave it, and all his money in the funds, absolutely at his widow's disposal. His brother's child had a large fortune of her own; she had behaved with black ingratitude—she had cast him and his dear
