We've a good half hour
before dinner. Sir Jasper is never punctual."
"Yes, you've a right to know, if you are going to try your fortune
with Octavia."
The major marched through the three drawing rooms to see that no
inquisitive servant was eavesdropping, and, finding all deserted, he
resumed his place, while young Annon lounged on a couch as he listened
with intense interest to the major's story.
"You know it was supposed that old Sir Jasper, being a bachelor, would
leave his fortune to his two nephews. But he was an oddity, and as the
title _must_ go to young Jasper by right, the old man said Maurice
should have the money. He was poor, young Jasper rich, and it seemed but
just, though Madame Mere was very angry when she learned how the will
was made."
"But Maurice didn't get the fortune. How was that?"
"There was some mystery there which I shall discover in time. All went
smoothly till that unlucky yachting trip, when the cousins were wrecked.
Maurice saved Jasper's life, and almost lost his own in so doing. I
fancy he wishes he had, rather than remain the poor cripple he is.
Exposure, exertion, and neglect afterward brought on paralysis of the
lower limbs, and there he is--a fine, talented, spirited fellow tied to
that cursed chair like a decrepit old man.
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