Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 2).djvu/171

 This honest servant produced the orders of his Lord, to hold the management of his fortune until his return to Suabia. He was ready to submit his accounts to their inspection, but he would not resign a trust delegated to him by his master, until convinced that master no longer existed. Apprehensive at length that some sinister means would be used against him, he was compelled to appeal to the Duke of Wirtemberg, who, on hearing both sides of the question, decreed that the management of the estates should remain in the steward's hands for seven years longer, subject to the inspection of the heir; after which period, if the Count did not appear to claim his rights, the property should pass into the hands of his heirs.

Eight months only of this limited seven years remained unexpired, and Mr. Duclos, the steward, had given himself up to despair, when the arrival of the Count's messenger transported him with joy; his eager desire to behold his master would not permit him to