Old Mr. Willcoxen, far from offering opposition to this plan, actually
favored it--though from the less worthy motive of economy. What was the
use of spending money to pay her board, and nursing, and medical
attendance, in the asylum, when she might be boarded and nursed and
doctored so much cheaper at home? For the old man confidently looked
forward to the time when the poor, fragile, failing creature would sink
into the grave, and Thurston would become her heir. And he calculated
that every dollar they could save of her income would be so much added
to the inheritance when Thurston should come into it.
Very soon after Thurston's return home his grandfather gave him to
understand the conditions upon which he intended to make him his heir.
They were two in number, viz., first, that Thurston should never leave
him again while he lived; and, secondly, that he should never marry
without his consent. "For I don't wish to be left alone in my old age,
my dear boy; nor do I wish to see you throw yourself away upon any girl
whose fortune is less than the estate I intend to bequeath entire to
yourself."
CHAPTER XII.
MARIAN, THE INSPIRER.
It was not fortunate for old Mr. Willcoxen's plans that his grandson
should have met Marian Mayfield.
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