That Mainwaring Affair | Page 8

beauty and
resembling her in a marked degree, yet betrayed in his face a weakness
which indicated that, lacking ability to plan and execute for himself, he
would become a ready tool to aid in carrying out the designs of others.
The ladies, having discovered the hour to be much later than they
supposed, and knowing that the gentlemen would soon return from the
city, speedily adjourned to their dressing-rooms to prepare for dinner.
CHAPTER III
THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF HUGH MAINWARING
Immediately after breakfast the following morning, Hugh Mainwaring,
having excused himself to his guests, retired to his private library, in
company with his secretary and Mr. Whitney, his attorney. A number
of fine saddle horses having been brought around from the stables, the
young people cantered gayly down the oak-lined avenue, intent upon a
morning ride, their voices echoing musically through the grounds. The
elderly people, after a short chat, gradually dispersed. Mrs. Mainwaring
retired to her room for her accustomed morning nap; Mrs. Hogarth
sought the large library and was soon absorbed in the works of her
favorite author, while Ralph Mainwaring and Mr. Thornton strolled up
and down the gravelled walks, enjoying their cigars.
"This is a very good bit of property, " remarked Mr. Mainwaring at
length, running his eye with cold scrutiny over the mansion and
grounds; "taking into consideration the stocks and bonds and various
business interests that will go with it, it will make a fine windfall for
the boy."
That it will, and Hugh certainly is a lucky dog!" responded Mr.
Thornton; "but you seem to have some definite knowledge regarding

our cousin's finances; has he given you any idea as to what he is really
worth?"
"He? Not a word." Then noting an expression of surprise on his
companion's face, Mr. Mainwaring continued. "I have a number of
business acquaintances on this side the water, and you may rest assured
I have kept myself well posted as to the way things were going all these
years. I have had something of this kind in view all the time."
"I might have known it," replied Mr. Thornton, with an amused smile.
"I never yet saw a Mainwaring who did not understand how to feather
his own nest. Well, as you say, it is a fine piece of property; but, do you
know, Mainwaring, it strikes me that the old boy seems a bit anxious to
get it disposed of according to his own liking as quickly as possible."
"It does look that way," the other acknowledged.
"Well, now, doesn't that seem a little peculiar, when, with no direct
heirs that we know of, the property would in any case revert to your
family?"
Ralph Mainwaring puffed in silence for a few moments, then removing
his cigar and slowing knocking off the ashes, he replied very
deliberately,-
"It is my opinion that he and that attorney of his are aware of some
possible claimants, of whom we know nothing."
"That is my idea exactly, " said Mr. Thornton; "and, don't you know, it
has occurred to me that possibly, unknown to us, Harold Mainwaring
may have left a child, whose existence is known to Hugh."
"That would cut no figure in this case, " Mr. Mainwaring answered,
quickly. "Even had there been a living child, - which there was not, - he
could make no claim whatever, for Harold was disinherited by his
father's will."
"Yes, I know the old gentleman disinherited Harold, but would his

heirs have no claim?"
"Not under that will. I was present when it was read, and I remember it
debarred 'both him and his heirs, forever.'"
"Poor Harold!" said Mr. Thornton, after a moment's silence; "he was
the elder son, was he not?"
"Yes, and his father's favorite. It broke the old man's heart to disinherit
him. He failed rapidly after that occurred, and he never was the same
towards Hugh. I always thought that accounted for Hugh's selling the
old place as he did; it had too many unpleasant memories.
"Harold died soon after that unfortunate marriage, I believe."
"Yes; he learned too late the character of the woman he had married,
and after the death of their only child, he left her, and a few years later
was lost at sea."
"Well," continued Mr. Thornton, after a pause, "have you the remotest
idea as to who these possible claimants against the property may be?"
"Only the merest suspicion, as yet too vague even to mention; but I
think a day or two will probably enable me to determine whether I am
correct or not."
At that moment, Harry Scott, the private secretary, appeared, with a
message to the gentlemen from Hugh Mainwaring, to the effect that he
would like to have them join himself