“He was well? In good spirits? You thought him changed⁠—yes? Aged perhaps, or⁠—”

“His lordship was not greatly changed, sir.”

Richard almost stamped in his impatience.

“Come, Warburton, come! Tell me everything. What did he say? Will he take the revenues? Will he⁠—”

“His lordship, sir, was reluctant to take anything, but upon maturer consideration, he⁠—ah⁠—consented to accept his elder son’s portion. The revenues of the estate he begs you will make use of.”

“Ah! But you told him that I would touch nought belonging to him?”

“I tried to persuade his lordship, sir. To no avail. He desires you to use Wyncham as you will.”

“I’ll not touch his money!”

Warburton gave the faintest of shrugs.