succession; to hide from his view those appendages, family paintings, and splendid services of plate bearing his crest and arms.
Such were the conceptions the most obvious and natural which could occur to him, and which a copy sent to him of his father's will was decidedly calculated to confirm. To the principal part, which had been written at a distant period, some codicils were added of later date, but none since he might have indulged in better hopes of allotment arising out of the introduction of his daughters to Sir Aubrey.
Had not the General been denied intercourse with his father during moments when, in making his peace with the Deity, his heart might have become accessible to pity and forgiveness, in acknowledging him,—though unwise and unreflective, yet well-meaning and amiable, he might have revoked his former testament, written under impressions of resentment, and have proclaimed De Brooke his lawful heir; instead of which he was but barely named,—a few trifling legacies were left, to be distributed between him and his children; and those in a manner that his stepmother might afterwards either annul or confirm them, according to her caprice or pleasure.
