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Elizabeth's Pretenders
253

leave Paris in about three days, after which my address will be "Poste Restante, Mentone." I hope to hear from you that my uncle is much better."


Mr. Twisden, in announcing Miss Shaw's rejection of his proposal to George Daintree, took good care not to mention the decision named in her postscript. If the young man still entertained any foolish idea of renewing his intimacy at Madame Martineau's pension during the winter, he would find the attraction fled. For the rest, if Elizabeth was resolute not to come back, Mr. Twisden was as well pleased that she should go South.

William Shaw was detained some days in London by his doctor, and during that time paid two visits to Hampstead. On the first occasion the old solicitor did his utmost to persuade his client not to alter his will. After pointing out that Shaw's money should not go out of the family as long as a Shaw by blood was alive, he went on—

"There is another point, perhaps, you have not considered. Your widow would possibly marry again, and equally possibly marry a worthless man. Women, you know, my dear Shaw, are weak on such subjects. Leaving your fortune to her absolutely, as you do, what happens? Supposing her to marry an unprincipled fellow; either he will squander her money during her lifetime—possibly upon other women—or make her leave him every penny of it at her death. Can you wish this? I speak to you as an old friend—not as your solicitor, whose sole business is to carry oot your instructions."

William fidgeted in his chair; his red face grew one