That Mainwaring Affair | Page 4

was a blond of the purest type, and his beard, parted in the centre, was
brushed back in two wavy, silken masses, while his clear blue eyes,
beaming with kindliness and good-humor, had the frankness of a
child's.
Hugh Mainwaring, the sole heir to the family estate, soon after the
death of his father, some twenty-five years previous to this time,
became weary of the monotony of his English homelife, and, resolved
upon making his permanent home in one of the large eastern cities of
the United States and embarking upon the uncertain and treacherous

seas of speculation in the western world, had sold the estate which for a
number of generations had been in the possession of the Mainwarings,
and had come to America. In addition to his heavy capital, he had
invested a large amount of keen business tact and ability; his venture
had met with almost phenomenal success and he had acquired immense
wealth besides his inherited fortune.
His more conservative cousin, Ralph Mainwaring, while never quite
forgiving him for having disposed of the estate, had, nevertheless, with
the shrewdness and foresight for which his fami1y were noted, given to
his only son the name of Hugh Mainwaring, confident that his
American-English cousin would never marry, and hoping thereby to
win back the old Mainwaring estate into his own line of the family. His
bit of strategy had succeeded; and now, after more than twenty years,
his foresight and worldly wisdom were about to be rewarded, for the
occasion of this reunion between the long-separated cousins was the
celebration of the rapidly approaching fiftieth birthday of Hugh
Mainwaring, at which time Hugh Mainwaring, Jr., would attain his
majority, and in recognition of that happy event the New York
millionaire broker had announced his intention of making his will in
favor of his namesake, and on that day formally declaring him his
lawful heir.
This had been the object of the conference in the private office of Hugh
Mainwaring, and now that it was over and all necessary arrangements
had been made, that gentleman turned from his desk with a sigh of
relief.
"I am heartily glad that this business is over," he said, addressing his
guests; "it has been on my mind for some time, and I have consulted
with Mr. Whitney about it," with a slight nod towards the fourth
gentleman, who was his attorney and legal adviser. "We have both felt
that it should have been attended to before this; and yet, as I considered
this would be the most fitting time to make a final adjustment of affairs,
I have on that account delayed longer than I otherwise would have done.
Now everything is arranged in a manner satisfactory, I trust, to all
parties immediately concerned, and nothing remains but to draw up and

execute the papers, which will be done to-morrow."
"You are not then troubled with any unpleasant superstitions regarding
the making of a will?" commented Mr. Thornton.
"No," replied the other, slowly. "I am not of the opinion that it will
hasten my exit from this world; but even if it did, I would have the
satisfaction of knowing that my own wishes would be carried out in the
settlement of my estate, and that no one would derive any benefit from
my demise excepting those whom I consider legally entitled thereto."
Ralph Mainwaring looked curiously at his cousin through half-closed
eyes.
"I suppose," he remarked, very deliberately, "that even in case there
were no will the property would revert to our branch of the family; we
are the nearest of kin, you know."
"Yes, I know your family would be considered the lawful heirs," Hugh
Mainwaring replied, while he and Mr. Whitney exchanged glances;
"but this is not England; here any common adventurer might come
forward with some pretended claim against the estate, and I prefer to
see affairs definitely settled in my own way."
"Of course," responded the other, resuming his cigar. "Well, speaking
for myself, I am more than willing to relinquish any share I might have
had for the boy's sake, and I don't suppose, Thornton, that you have any
objections to raise on Edith's account."
"Oh, no, no," replied that gentleman, with a pleasant laugh." I never
considered Hugh a bad son-in-law to begin with, but I'll admit he is a
little more attractive now than ever."
The little clock on the marble mantel chimed the hour of four, causing a
general movement of surprise. "'Pon my soul! had no idea it was that
late," exclaimed Mr. Thornton, taking out his watch, while Hugh
Mainwaring, touching an electric button, replied,-

"This business has detained us much longer than I anticipated. I will
give some instructions to the head clerk, and we will leave at once."
He had scarcely finished