His bitter perception of it, his hidden consciousness that he had
probably but a short time, a couple of years at most, to live, only
increased his satisfaction in the "No"--the contemptuous and final "No!"
that he had opposed, and would oppose, to her impertinent interference
with his affairs.
Victoria sat regarding him silently, as he walked to the
mantelpiece, rearranged a few silver objects standing upon it, and
then turned--confronting her again.
"You have made Mr. Faversham your heir?" she asked him after a pause.
"I have. And I shall take good care that he does nothing with my property
when he inherits it so as to undo my wishes with regard to it."
"That is to say--you will not even allow him to make--himself--provision
for your wife and daughter?"
"Beyond what was indicated in the letter to your son? No! certainly not.
I shall take measures against anything of the sort."
Victoria rose.
"And he accepts your condition--your bequest to him, on these terms?"
Melrose smiled.
"Certainly. Why not?"
"I am sorry for Mr. Faversham!" said Victoria, in a different voice, the
colour sparkling on her cheek.
"Because you think there will be a public opinion against him--that he
will be boycotted in this precious county? Make yourself easy, Lady
Tatham. A fortune such as he will inherit provides an easy cure for such
wounds."
Victoria's self-control began to break down.
"I venture to think he will not find it so," she said, with quickened
breath.
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