article of attire; "'tis not my way—I be's slow about my work, but I does it thoroughly—so off with your rags, Old'un."
This was, however, the only additional instance of aggression in the vicinity of Warlock Manor-house; and by degrees, as the autumn declined, and no farther enormities were perpetrated, people began to look out for a new topic of conversation. This was afforded them by a piece of unexpected good fortune to Lucy Brandon.
Mrs. Warner, an old lady to whom she was slightly related, and with whom she had been residing during her brief and only visit to London, died suddenly, and in her will declared Lucy to be her sole heiress. The property, which was in the Funds, and which amounted to sixty-thousand pounds, was to be enjoyed by Miss Brandon immediately on her attaining her twenty-first year; meanwhile, the executors to the will were to pay to the young heiress the annual sum of six-hundred pounds. The joy which this news created in Warlock Manor-house, may easily be conceived. The Squire projected improvements here, and repairs there; and Lucy, poor girl, who had
