The Argosy — page 101: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

The Master of Greylands. 89 I will never say another word upon the subject, or give you the smallest trouble. Prove this to me, and I will stay a few days in the neigh- bourhood, for the sake of cementing family ties—though I may never meet any of you again—and then go back to the place whence I came. But if you do not give me this proof, I must prosecute my claim, and maintain my rights.” “ Rights!” sneered Mr. Castlemaine, beginning to lose his temper. ‘‘How dare you presume to talk to me in this way? A needy adventurer—for that is what I believe you are, lett without means of your own—to come here, and ‘‘T beg your pardon,” interrupted the young man; “I am not needy. Though far from rich, I have a competency. Enough to keep me.” “It is all one to me,” said Mr. Castlemaine. ‘“‘ You had better do as you say—go back to the place whence you came.” “If the estate be truly and lawfully yours, I should be the last to attempt to disturb you in it ; I should not wish to doit. But if it be not yours, Uncle James, it must be mine; and until I can be assured one way or the other, I shall remain here, though it be for ever.” Mr. Castlemaine drew himself up to his full height. He was per- fectly calm again; perhaps somewhat vexed that he had allowed himself to betray temper ; and rejoined, coolly and prudently : ‘“‘T cannot pretend to control your movements ; to say you shall go, or you shall come ; but I tell you, frankly, that your staying will not serve you In the least. Were you to remain for ever—as you phrase it—not one tittle of proof would you get from me. Things have come to a pretty pass, if I am to be bearded in my own house, and have my word doubted.” “Well, Uncle James,” said the young man, still speaking pleasantly, “then nothing remains for me but to try and find out the truth for myself. I wish you had been more explicit with me, for 1 am sure I do not know how to set about it,” he added, candidly. A faint, proud smile curled Mr. Castlemaine’s decisive lips. It seemed to say, ‘‘ Do what you please; it is beneath my notice.” His nephew took up his hat to depart. ‘*May I offer to shake hands with you, Uncle James? I hope we need not be enemies ? ” A moment’s hesitation, and Mr. Castlemaine shook the offered hand. It was next to impossible to resist the frank geniality ; just the same frank geniality that had characterised Basil; and Mr. Castlemaine thawed a little. ‘It appears to be a very strange thing that Basil should have remained stationary all those years in France; never once to have come home!” ‘‘T have heard him say many a time, Uncle James, that he should never return until he returned to take possession of Greylards’ Rest...