Next of Kin Wanted (Volume 2)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1887. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VI. BONGO. MUST first explain,' began the Vicar, 'that Mrs. de Robert will not allow any claimants--unless, indeed, their number should prove legion--to be put to expense in this matter. At least, in your own case, the cost of this journey will be defrayed, whether it is made to good purpose or in vain.' 'How kind, how considerate!' cried Sabina and Prue in a breath. So greatly were their minds relieved by this piece of intelligence, that they felt as if they had come into a small fortune already. Both laughed aloud, but feeling ready to cry the next moment. Those last words the Vicar had used--those ill-omened words 'in vain '--seemed to scatter their hopes to the winds; and just then Prue saw Eugenia fastening the Curate's rose to her dress. 'You must kindly bear in mind that Mrs. de Robert is entirely a free agent in the disposal of her late husband's property,' continued Mr. Meridian. 'It was legally willed to her without any conditions whatever, and she is bound by Mr. de Robert's wishes only to cast about for an heir. Then there is the question of suitability;' and as he said this, Mr. Meridian looked significantly and penetratingly at his hearers. Sabina and Prue were once more on the verge of tears. Yes, both felt already convinced that they had drawn blanks in a lottery. It was about as likely that they should be found suitable as that they should discover perpetual motion, or invent a flyingmachine. Prue glanced at the animated figures of Miss Ivory and her adoring cavalier with a sinking of the heart. Roses, adoration, the more poetic aspect of life, such things were not for her. Sabina thought of Edwin lying in his cold grave, and resigned herself. The Vicar went on: 'The heir must be suitable, and the decision of such suitability rest...